Nate

McLouth

The Pirates don’t lose much by going from Jody Gerut to McLouth, although it remains to be seen whether McClouth will play. Manager Lloyd McClendon could use some combination of Tike Redman, Rob Mackowiak and Daryle Ward along with McLouth in right field, so it may not be a very good idea to pick up the rookie, even if he does have the potential to help out in steals. McLouth was hitting .297/.364/.401 with 34 stolen bases in 42 attempts for Indianapolis.

This won’t help him earn additional playing time.

Jose Hernandez replaced him, with Jose Bautista moving from third base. McLouth is likely day-to-day.

The Pirates might decided to give Jose Bautista some starts against right-handers unless McLouth heats up soon. An alternative would be to put Jason Bay in center and Craig Wilson in left, but as poorly as the Pirates are pitching, weakening the defense probably isn’t something manager Jim Tracy is considering.

“It has not improved since we took him out of the game,” manager Jim Tracy said. Jose Hernandez will get increased playing time in right field while he is out.

Jose Bautista and Jeromy Burnitz should combine to get most of the playing time in right field while McLouth nurses his ankle injury for the next couple of weeks. Chris Duffy will remain the regular center fielder and leadoff hitter, though the newly recalled Rajai Davis could play there against certain left-handers.

McLouth is expected to return to the Pirates when he is eligible to come of the disabled list on Aug. 27.

McLouth is 6-for-14 with two homers and three steals in his last three starts. He’s looking better and better as an option in deep mixed leagues.

McLouth is 12-for-45 with two homers and four steals this month. Due to his 25-steal potential, he’s a fine asset in both NL-only and deep mixed leagues at the moment.

McLouth also scored twice while doubling and tripling yesterday, but with an OPS south of 700 he’ll have to continue showing improved production at the plate to be considered for semi-regular playing time. While some at-bats in right field are opening up, it’s going to take an extended hot streak from McLouth to give him much fantasy value.