Veteran outfielder Andrew McCutchen is doing everything he can to support the struggling Pittsburgh Pirates, even while dealing with a significant knee injury. Despite the Pirates being in last place in the NL Central and on track to miss the playoffs for the ninth consecutive season, McCutchen remains committed to giving his all for the team.
McCutchen returned to action on Sunday after missing three games due to a knee injury, homering twice in the Pirates’ extra-innings loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 16-year MLB veteran admitted after the game that his knee is only at about 70 percent, yet he’s determined to contribute as much as he can.
“Seventy percent is better than zero percent, so if I can swing the bat, I’m gonna swing it,” McCutchen told reporters.
Back in the lineup and leading off, the 37-year-old five-time All-Star showed his resilience by going 2-for-5 with two home runs and four RBIs. He had been sidelined since injuring his knee while trying to score the game-tying run in the 10th inning against the San Diego Padres last Wednesday.
In Sunday’s game, McCutchen hit a solo home run in the third inning and followed it up with a game-tying two-run shot in the eighth. Although the Pirates took a lead in the top of the 10th, the Dodgers ultimately secured a sweep of the three-game series with a walk-off RBI single by Teoscar Hernandez.
The Pirates have now lost seven straight games, marking a season-high losing streak, and nine of their last 10. Despite these setbacks, McCutchen’s return and determination send a strong message to his teammates. He remains focused on doing whatever it takes to help Pittsburgh improve, even if it means playing through pain.
“If I can’t run, I can’t run, but my job is to hit, to DH… Just keep the line moving, get the next guy up, and that’s what I’m going to do,” McCutchen emphasized.
McCutchen, who last made the playoffs with the Pirates in 2015, returned to the team in 2023 after leaving in 2017. This season, he hit his 300th career home run and has continued to be a key player, both on the field and in the clubhouse. The Pirates signed McCutchen to a one-year, $5 million deal for 2024, and he has already played in 98 games this season, posting 16 home runs, 59 runs scored, and an OPS+ of 109. His leadership and example are invaluable to a young Pirates team facing another challenging season.
Leave a Reply