McLouth draws former teammates’ praise

If it seemed a bit much when some Pittsburgh players literally burned a candle in the clubhouse for Nate McLouth after he was traded to the Braves last week, perhaps outsiders don’t understand how popular the center fielder was with the Pirates.

He was greeted with hugs and handshakes by former teammates Monday before the Pirates opened a four-game series against the Braves at Turner Field.

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Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

Newly acquired outfielder Nate McLouth chats with former Pirates teammate Adam LaRoche. LaRoche, a former Brave, said of McLouth: ‘You’ll see in the next month. You guys [in Atlanta] are very luck to have him.’

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“He’s awesome,” said Pirates (and former Braves) first baseman Adam LaRoche. “He’s unbelievable. Forget about his numbers or what he’s done. He’s one of the best clubhouse guys ever and he’s going to go out there every day and play hard.

“He’s one of the most solid guys I’ve ever played with.”

Anything else?

“I’d take him in center field for any team I’ve ever play for and any manager would say the same thing,” LaRoche said. “You’ll see in the next month. You guys [in Atlanta] are very luck to have him.”

McLouth, 27, was an All-Star and Gold Glove winner in 2008, when he had career-highs of 26 homers, 94 RBIs, 23 stolen bases and a National League-leading 46 doubles.

He led the Pirates in homers (nine) and RBIs (34) this season when traded to the Braves for three prospects, including pitcher Charlie Morton and center fielder Gorkys Hernandez. The move was roundly criticized in Pittsburgh.

McLouth, who had spent his entire professional career in the Pirates organization, stopped to chat with former teammates Monday after filming a segment for the Pirates pregame show.

“Once you get on the field, playing baseball takes care of itself,” said McLouth, who had a key double in Sunday’s come-from-behind win against Milwaukee. “It’s leaving all the relationships with guys over there that’s hard. I built relationships that are going to last forever… . But I’m here now, and I couldn’t be happier.”

Prado playing hurt

Martin Prado had consecutive two-hit games against Milwaukee Saturday and Sunday, despite playing with a strained groin.

“He’s a tough guy,” manager Bobby Cox said of the utility man, who’s filled in at first base since Casey Kotchman injured his right shin and calf when hit by a pitch on May 31.

Prado had a seven-game hitting streak before Monday and was 8-for-21 (.381) since Kotchman was hurt.

Hudson progressing

As Cox watched batting practice from the dugout bench Monday, a familiar pitcher was firing fastballs in a bullpen session viewable on a TV monitor mounted nearby. It was Tim Hudson, who’s rehabbing from ligament-transplant elbow surgery.

“He’s throwing hard, Bobby,” a reporter said to Cox.

“He’s been throwing hard,” the manager said, his positive tone reflective of Hudson’s steady progress. “But he’s keeping it where he should.”

Although Hudson has had no setbacks, the veteran right-hander said he’s been careful not to overdo things as his anticipation grows and his targeted return date in August gets closer.