"Nate McLouth went 2-for-4 including a home run on the first pitch of the opening inning Sunday for Triple-A Gwinnett.

The center fielder, who's been on the DL recovering from a June 9 concussion, is 4-for-11 through three games on his rehab assignment.

The Braves could face a decision soon after the All-Star break regarding when to activate McLouth from the DL, and who goes down when they do.

Gregor Blanco seems the likely odd man out despite playing quite well since his role increased after McLouth's injury. Blanco has hit .327 (16-for-49) with a .400 on-base percentage since June 13.

McLouth hit .176 with three homers and a .295 OBP in 57 games before he got hurt. He was 5-for-50 with one RBI in his last 18 games before going on the DL after colliding with Heyward while both outfielders pursued a fly ball.

Hitting coach Terry Pendleton has worked with McLouth since then to shorten his swing and reduce the upper-cut that Pendleton said had become more pronounced after McLouth struggled following his trade to the Braves last summer."