the Gwinnett Braves, the Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Showing improvement, McLouth was recalled to the Majors on August 31. In his first twelve games after returning, McLouth hit for a .367 batting average, a drastic improvement over the rest of the season. As a result, he made a short-term return to the starting lineup. Nearer the end of the season, McLouth began to struggle again. Despite the rocky season, McLouth made the Braves playoff roster, and was projected to start in left field against the San Francisco Giants in the National League Division Series. However, Matt Diaz started game one in his place. McLouth spent much of the 2011 season on the disabled list. Feeling significant discomfort in his left oblique, McLouth was placed on the 15-day disabled list on May 23 and replaced on the roster by Jordan Schafer. He remained on the disabled list until June 19. McLouth hit a solo home run on July 17 in the bottom of the eighth inning against the Washington Nationals to tie the game at eight. McLouth was again placed on the disabled list on July 29 for a lower abdominal strain. On August 5, it was revealed that McLouth had a sports hernia and would be out at least six weeks. He would not make another Major League appearance on the season. McLouth exited the 2011 season as a free agent. On October 31, the Braves declined the option on McLouth, effectively ending his stint with the Braves. In parts of three seasons in Atlanta, McLouth hit .229 with 44 doubles, 21 home runs, and 76 RBIs in 250 games. Second stint with the Pirates On December 7, 2011, the Pittsburgh Pirates re-signed McLouth to a one-year, $1.75 million contract with $450,000 in performance-based incentives. Commenting on the signing, McLouth stated, "It's a no-brainer" and that it was "the easiest decision I've ever made in my life." When asked to reflect on his tenure as an Atlanta Brave, McLouth noted, "To struggle performance-wise as much as I did and to have the injuries that I did, it was tough. I'm not going to lie. The past couple years were very, very difficult personally." After hitting .140 with 18 strikeouts and 2 RBI, on May 25, 2012, McLouth was designated for assignment. Baltimore Orioles The Baltimore Orioles signed McLouth to a minor-league contract on June 5, 2012 and he