another reason

If you’re looking for another reason — or any reason — to head out to Trustmark Park this weekend, here’s a good one: Atlanta center fielder Nate McLouth will make an injury rehab appearance with the Mississippi Braves on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The M-Braves made the announcement earlier today. The M-Braves are essentially out of the Southern League playoff race, so McLouth won’t help them there. But he could be a boost to attendance, which is threatening to fall under 3,000 for the average per game this season. McLouth is a fun player to watch; he’s got power and speed and plays with a lot of energy.
P.S. Boston’s bullpen got a lot tougher today with the acquisition of former Jackson Generals lefty Billy Wagner. With Wagner and ex-Mississippi State star Jonathan Papelbon, another hard thrower with a nasty temperament, finishing games, you gotta like the Red Sox’s chances of nailing down the American League wild card. … Numbers to chew on: Former Meridian CC star Cliff Lee is 5-0 and has allowed just three earned runs in 40 innings since joining the Philadelphia Phillies last month; ex-Hillcrest Christian and Ole Miss standout Seth Smith is 15-for-32 as a pinch hitter for the Colorado Rockies.