McCutchen went 3-for-4 with one walk and an RBI against Atlanta on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

He hit the ball with authority Friday and crushed a foul ball down the left field line with plenty of home run distance. His effort was particularly encouraging after an 0-for-9 start at Fenway Park. McCutchen also looked spry on the bases, as if he was looking to run when possible. It's only one game, but he played much better Friday in the home opener.

McCutchen went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in the season opener Monday in Boston.

EDGE Analysis

The outfielder, who batted third after trying out the two hole last season, stranded four baserunners. In addition, he misplayed a pair of balls in his new position, right field. It's only one game but the former NL MVP isn't off to a promising start.

McCutchen went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer Monday against the Twins.

EDGE Analysis

He's hitting .263 in 19 Grapefruit League at-bats with one homer and one stolen base. His move to right field from center has gone seamlessly. McCutchen, who is batting third after struggling in the second spot for much of 2016, will look to get off to a good start. He's hit just .212 in 165 April at-bats in 2015 and 2016.

McCutchen went 2-for-4 with two RBI and a walk Wednesday during Team USA's victory over Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic championship game.

EDGE Analysis

Cutch poked clutch RBI singles in the fifth and eighth innings as the United States went on to win 8-0, and the veteran went 5-for-21 with 5 RBI during the WBC. His fantasy stock may remain a bit undervalued in many circles, presenting a potentially profitable buying opportunity in mixed leagues.

McCutchen went 1-for-2 with an RBI single and a stolen base during his return to action Saturday against the Red Sox.

EDGE Analysis

The back issue was clearly never anything to worry about, as the 30-year-old felt good enough to play Saturday after dealing with some tightness earlier in the day. He'll head to the World Baseball Classic soon and shouldn't have any lingering issues moving forward.

McCutchen is nursing a tight back but expects to play Saturday against the Red Sox, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. The outfielder said his back was "a little tight when I woke up this morning."

EDGE Analysis

He wore a heat wrap on his lower back before Saturday's game. McCutchen has dealt with chronic knee issues throughout his career but has never made mention of back problems. The Pirates have little incentive to play him during a meaningless exhibition game, so if there's any question about his injury then he'll likely sit out. Otherwise, the tight back may simply indicate that the former NL MVP is now 30 years old.

McCutchen went 1-for-4 with a run Thursday against the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

He has four hits (including two doubles) in 15 Grapefruit League at-bats thus far and has made a relatively easy transition from center field to right. McCutchen, who will soon leave for the World Baseball Classic, has enjoyed a quiet camp following a tumultuous winter.

McCutchen will bat third for the Pirates this season, MLB.com's Adam Berry reports.

EDGE Analysis

While the Pirates have understandably cooled on McCutchen's outfield defense, they will still rely on him to serve as a run producer in the three hole this season. He hit .268/.349/.450 with 15 home runs and five steals (on nine attempts) over 395 plate appearances in that spot in the lineup last season.

McCutchen is on the USA roster for the World Baseball Classic, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

He will be joined in the outfield by Adam Jones, Christian Yelich, and Giancarlo Stanton. After the Pirates announced he will move to the corner outfield in 2017, it will be interesting to see where manager Jim Leyland plays McCutchen during the WBC.

McCutchen will play right field for the Pirates in 2017.

EDGE Analysis

The Pirates are switching up their outfield alignment, with Starling Marte moving to center field and Gregory Polanco taking over in left. McCutchen had his worst defensive season in 2016 and at 30 years old, he is likely better suited at the corner outfield spot.