‘I’m Fine,’ Andrew McCutchen Eases Concern Over Monday’s Early Exit

There was some serious cause for concern for the Pittsburgh Pirates surrounding Andrew McCutchen in their win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday night at PNC Park.

After an RBI double from McCutchen in the fifth extended the Pirates to 4-2, he came up hobbling in between second and third on a Connor Joe inning-ending flyout.

McCutchen bent down and reached for his lower left leg and walked gingerly alongside the club’s medical staff to the Pirates’ dugout before he was pinch hit for by Joshua Palacios a couple innings later.

McCutchen’s exit was deemed a precaution due to left Achilles tendon tightness, and he was being examined by the Pirates’ medical staff.

There didn’t seem to be any major concern from McCutchen in the clubhouse after the game, and the 26-year-old confirmed on social media on Monday night that he was feeling alright.

I’m fine

— Andrew McCutchen (@TheCUTCH22) September 5, 2023

On the year, McCutchen is slashing .256/.378/.397 with 19 doubles, 12 home runs, 43 RBIs and 11 steals in 112 games played in his first season back with the Pirates after returning in the winter as a free agent on a one-year deal.

The 36-year-old has been the Pirates’ primary designated hitter and has been a mainstay in the top of the batting order throughout the season.

He had a big hand in the Pirates’ win over Milwaukee on Labor Day as he finished the game 2 for 3 with a pair of doubles, an RBI and a run scored before his premature exit.

McCutchen is still one home run away from becoming the 13th active player reaching 300 for his career.

On Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium, Andrew McCutchen moved into a tie for 10th place on the Pirates’ all-time stolen bases leaders alongside Carson Bigbee with 182 swiped bags.