YES Network.com

Outfielder Nate McLouth, who was an All-Star in 2008 on the back of what seemed to be a breakout campaign, has been designated for assignment by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Pirates announced the move Friday afternoon, with utility man Matt Hague recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis to take McLouth’s spot.

McLouth, who debuted with Pittsburgh in 2005, made his first big splash during that 2008 All-Star campaign, as the then-26-year-old hit .276 with 26 home runs, 94 RBI, 113 runs scored, 23 stolen bases and an NL-high 46 doubles in 2008 and won a Gold Glove.

After another strong start in 2009, he was traded to Atlanta that May for three prospects, and was expected to be the star center fielder the Braves had been trying to find to replace a departed Andruw Jones. However, injuries and ineffectiveness limited McLouth to just 250 games as a Brave from 2009-2011, and he hit just .229 with 21 homers, 76 RBI, and 23 steals in that time.

He returned to Pittsburgh as a free agent this past winter, but he was hitting just .140 with 2 RBI in 57 at-bats when he designated for assignment.

The Pirates now have 10 days to trade McLouth, release him, or put him on waivers. If they do the latter and McLouth clears, he can also be sent to Triple-A Indianapolis if he accepts the assignment.

Follow Lou DiPietro on Twitter: @LouDiPietroYES