McCutchen (elbow) will serve as the Pirates' designated hitter and No. 3 batter in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game versus the Phillies.

EDGE Analysis

McCutchen missed a handful of days with right elbow soreness, but it looks like he'll be ready to go with Opening Day just over a week away. It's not clear when he might be ready to play the outfield, but the elbow issue never seemed like a major concern.

McCutchen was sidelined Thursday in Pirates camp due to minor right elbow soreness, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's not believed to be anything serious, but Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said the team will "take it very slow with Andrew." He'll probably spend the weekend getting rest and treatment before a reevaluation of the situation early next week.

McCutchen (hand) will serve as the Pirates' designated hitter and No. 3 batter in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays.

EDGE Analysis

McCutchen exited early in Sunday's 5-2 win over the Twins due to hand soreness, but as anticipated, his removal from that contest proved to be merely a precaution. At least at the start of the season, the 36-year-old should handle a near-everyday role as he opens his second stint in Pittsburgh, with McCutchen expected to move between the corner outfield and designated hitter.

McCutchen's (hand) removal from the Pirates' game on Sunday was precautionary and he's expected to be fine, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

McCutchen was lifted from the game against the Twins after being hit by a pitch, but it sounds like he probably could've remained in had it been a regular-season contest. The veteran outfield is expected to open 2023 as the Pirates' starting right fielder.

McCutchen signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Pirates on Friday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Well, isn't that fun? McCutchen reached superstardom in Pittsburgh, winning the National League MVP award in 2013 and finishing in the top five in voting four straight years. He's 36 now and coming off a career-low .700 OPS, but he nonetheless instantly becomes one of the Pirates' better hitters and provides some leadership. This should also offer him a chance to play every day, an opportunity he wouldn't necessarily have received elsewhere.

McCutchen isn't in the lineup Wednesday against the Diamondbacks.

EDGE Analysis

McCutchen went 1-for-7 with six walks and four strikeouts over his last three matchups, and he'll be on the bench for a second consecutive game to close out the regular season. Christian Yelich will serve as the designated hitter while Keston Hiura starts in left field.

McCutchen isn't in the lineup Friday against Miami.

EDGE Analysis

McCutchen is getting a day off after he went 2-for-8 with a walk and four strikeouts over the last two games. Keston Hiura will take over as the designated hitter and bat sixth.

McCutchen isn't starting Tuesday against the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

After going 2-for-16 in the last series against Cincinnati, McCutchen will step aside Tuesday in order to let Keston Hiura serve as the Brewers' designated hitter. Hiura will bat sixth in the order.

McCutchen isn't in the lineup Wednesday against the Mets.

EDGE Analysis

McCutchen started the last two games and went 3-for-6 with a double, a run, an RBI, two walks and two strikeouts. He'll get a breather while Christian Yelich serves as the designated hitter and leads off.

McCutchen is not in the lineup Sunday against the Yankees.

EDGE Analysis

McCutchen started the past nine games for Milwaukee but will head to the bench Sunday amid an 0-for-13 slump. Rowdy Tellez will serve as the designated hitter while Keston Hiura starts at first base.