The Pittsburgh Pirates announced that they’ve reinstated designated hitter and franchise icon Andrew McCutchen from the injured list. He’ll join the team in Cleveland on Friday for the beginning of a three-game series against the Guardians. To make room for McCutchen, relief pitcher Ben Heller has been added to the IL.
We have reinstated OF/DH Andrew McCutchen from the 10-day injured list, and placed RHP Ben Heller on the 15-day injured list.
In addition, RHP Daulton Jefferies will begin a rehab assignment tonight with Triple-A Indianapolis.
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) August 30, 2024
Pirates Reinstate Andrew McCutchen from IL
McCutchen went on the IL on August 17 with right knee inflammation. His presence in the lineup might help rejuvenate a team currently down in the mouth after Wednesday’s historic 14-10 loss at the hands of the Chicago Cubs. Unfortunately, the Pirates are mathematically in the National League Wild Card race but not realistically. Furthermore, McCutchen isn’t a pitcher, so he doesn’t address their most pressing problem. The Pirates continue to hover near the bottom of the major leagues in most important offensive categories. Lately, however, the offense hasn’t been among the team’s problems. The Pirates scored 42 runs in the just-completed seven-game home stand, which yielded just three wins. Even so, one more productive hitter is always a welcome sight.
McCutchen has produced at the top of the order for Pittsburgh in 2024. He’s batting .235/.336/.405, 16 HR, 42 RBI, and 107 OPS+. Newly acquired Isiah Kiner-Falefa has manned the leadoff spot in McCutchen’s absence. It will be interesting to see whether McCutchen is reinstated in the leadoff spot for the Pirates.
Meanwhile, McCutchen, 37, will be playing to prove he deserves another one-year contract. Despite being traded by the Pirates in 2018 due to a perceived decline in play, since his return in 2023, he’s been one of their better hitters. He seems a sure bet to sign another contract with the Pirates. However, as they did last year, the Pirates will want him to pass a physical, considering this recent injury.
Issues in the Immediate Future
Heller’s placement on the IL leaves the Pirates one man short in the bullpen. That’s just a temporary condition. The rosters expand to 28 on Sunday, and the Pirates will surely add a pitcher then. With Thursday’s off day, the Pirates’ brain trust feels they can get by with one fewer reliever for two days. If they exhaust their bullpen, they haven’t been shy about recalling pitchers when needed.
More interesting will be how the Pirates handle the roster expansion. At some point, Colin Holderman, Joey Bart, and perhaps Ke’Bryan Hayes and Ryan Borucki will come off the IL. However, given that 2024 has become a lost season, they may be wise to let Hayes rest, given the nature of his back issues. The Pirates might also want to see some intriguing prospects like Bubba Chandler, Billy Cook, Malcom Nuñez, and Nick Yorke. It may mean an early end to the season for veterans on expiring contracts like Aroldis Chapman, Michael A. Taylor, or the popular Rowdy Tellez. Of course, the newly reinstated McCutchen will be safe due to his place in Pirates lore. If the Pirates use that opportunity to recycle the likes of Ji Hwan Bae or Jack Suwinski, that collective sigh of disappointment you’ll hear from the direction of western Pennsylvania will be coming from Pirates fans.
Main Photo: © Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
