Braves pick up option on Hinske

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Braves have picked up their club option on utility player and pinch-hitter Eric Hinske.

The Braves did not release terms on their 2012 contract for Hinske on Monday. They also confirmed declining the club option on outfielder Nate McLouth.

The 34-year-old Hinske hit .233 with 10 homers and 28 RBIs in 236 at-bats this season while playing left field, right field and first base. He has five pinch-hit home runs in two seasons with the Braves.

Hinske, the AL rookie of the year with Toronto in 2002, has a .252 career batting average with 134 homers.

McLouth hit .228 last season and was not part of the team's plans in centre field after the midseason trade for Michael Bourn.