Pirates Reinstate Andrew McCutchen From Injured List

The Pittsburgh Pirates have reinstated designated hitter/outfielder Andrew McCutchen from the 10-day injured list. McCutchen had been sidelined since Aug. 17 with left knee inflammation.

In 101 games on the season, McCutchen has slashed .235/.336/.405 with 14 doubles, a triple, 16 home runs and 40 RBIs while primarily serving as the club’s designated hitter. McCutchen will bat fourth for the Pirates against the Guardians in Cleveland on Friday night.

McCutchen returns to the Pirates’ lineup having hit safely in his last 11 games prior to landing on the injured list. He’s batting .326 (14 for 43) with three home runs and 12 RBIs during that stretch.

To make room for McCutchen on the active roster, the Pirates placed right-handed reliever Ben Heller on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation.

Heller has made eight appearances with the Pirates this season and is 0-1 with an 11.25 ERA. In six games since being selected earlier this month, Heller has posted a 3.60 ERA with 12 strikeouts across 10 innings.

Additionally, right-handed reliever Daulton Jefferies will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Indianapolis. He’s currently on the 60-day injured list with right elbow discomfort.

Jefferies made six appearances with the Pirates since he was acquired from the Giants and allowed seven runs on 10 hits in 10 innings pitched.