PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Andrew McCutchen said he understood the situation and is glad to go back to the outfield given the injury to Bryan Reynolds. He would take advantage with a nice catch and going 3 for 4 at the plate in the Pirates loss to the Yankees.
“I’ve wanted to do it,” McCutchen said after the game. “I’ve wanted to be out there especially understanding Bryan’s situation. I don’t want to feel like I’m just sitting here collecting a paycheck and not being able to do anything for the team.”
McCutchen phrased it as he knew what he needed to do. This wasn’t a scenario he thought about, which is why he didn’t play there at all during Grapefruit League games last month. Over the last few days he caught up during batting practice running balls down, making sure he kept his arm fresh. He said he was ready for the opportunity during the Home Opener on Friday.
“It’s like riding a bike,” McCutchen explained. “Some things you may lose physically, but when it comes to playing the outfield. I feel I can still do it. I may not be able to do it as much as I used to, but when given the opportunity, I know I can play a good enough outfield where I know I’m not hurting the team.”
McCutchen said it meant a lot to be out there for the first home game. Running out to right field and hearing the ovation.
“I know that you can’t do this forever, so I try to play every day like it's going to be my last one,” McCutchen said. “It's great to get that from the crowd. Obviously, I haven't been able to be out in right to receive that a whole lot, so to do it here on Opening Day in Pittsburgh feels great and meant a lot to me, because who knows if I ever get that opportunity again. It was great to do that and experience that. It just felt good being out there, grass under my feet and just playing a game."
“He had really good swings,” said Pirates manager Derek Shelton. “The ball down the line, I thought he got to, then he made a really nice play on the ball that Rice hit. This guy’s a pro. He’s prepared. I don’t know how much he’s going to be able to do it just because of his legs. But I thought he was really good today. I thought he did a nice job.”
The 17-year MLB veteran said he did everything he could this offseason to get his body in a position where he could do exactly what he did Friday. There have been three Pirates who have played right field at age 38-McCutchen, Bill Robinson and Roberto Clemente. He says he senses ‘The Great One’ every time he’s out there.
Related
“It’s great to be in a place like that, Clemente means everything,” McCutchen said. “I always feel like I have a little bit of help when I’m out there in right.”