Good News: Andrew McCutchen Returns to Pirates’ Lineup on Tuesday

The entire Pittsburgh Pirates’ fanbase collectively held their breath over the weekend when Andrew McCutchen was removed from Sunday’s game after being hit by a pitch in the hand.

McCutchen was taken out of the game with what the Pirates called left hand discomfort after a ball thrown by Minnesota Twins’ righty Jeff Hoffman hit him, though the play was not ruled a hit by pitch.

Everyone can now take a sigh of relief as the 36-year-old McCutchen is back in Pittsburgh’s lineup for Tuesday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays. He will bat third and serve as the team’s designated hitter.

McCutchen, of course, was brought back by the Pirates in January after agreeing to a one-year free agent contract for the 2023 season.

So far this spring, McCutchen is still searching for his first hit as he has begun the spring slate hitless through his first eight at-bats.

The Pirates and Blue Jays will face off at LECOM Park in Bradenton on Tuesday with a 1:05 first pitch. Mitch Keller will be on the mound for Pittsburgh.