"Injuries are mounting for the Braves, who lost center fielder Nate McLouth to a strained left oblique on the fourth pitch of Sunday's 4-1 loss against the Los Angeles Angels.

The leadoff man hurt the muscle in his side checking a swing in the opening at-bat at Angel Stadium, and Diory Hernandez finished the at-bat by grounding out.

McLouth could be placed on the disabled list Monday or Tuesday if his side doesn't improve quickly.

After he left the game, Hernandez moved to third base, Joe Mather switched from right field to center, Martin Prado from third base to left field, and Eric Hinske from left field to right field.

There was plenty of other injury news with the Braves, who announced that Tim Hudson (back stiffness) will miss his scheduled start Wednesday at Pittsburgh and be replaced by rookie left-hander Mike Minor from Triple-A Gwinnett.

Minor will also make a May 31 start, and Hudson is scheduled to return to the rotation on May 30 if his back responds to treatment."