Local Sports Journal

Heading into the final days of spring training, Whitehall native Nate McLouth is gearing up for the start of the regular season as a member of the Baltimore Orioles.

Nate McLouth

Nate McLouth

McLouth has appeared in 13 games this spring with the Orioles and his batting .216 with eight hits in 37 at-bats. He has one home run, four doubles and three stolen bases.

McLouth is expected to be the Orioles regular left fielder, but a lot still depends on the health of Nolan Reimold, the opening day starter a year ago. Reimold had neck surgery and has been experiencing tightness in his shoulder this spring.

“I control how much I am on the field. Just like last year,” McLouth told the Baltimore Sun in a recent interview. “I came in and did decent and was out there pretty much every day. It’s not something I stress over, but I prepare myself in a way that I am going to be on the field every day.”

McLouth was signed by the Orioles last June and assigned to AAA Norfolk.

He was summoned to Baltimore in August and was instrumental in helping the team down the stretch and into the playoffs.

He became a high priority signing for the Orioles in the offseason. McLouth signed a one-year, $2 million deal back in December. He also has $500,000 in performance bonuses.

Baltimore opens the season next Tuesday in Tampa Bay against the Rays.