McCutchen will return to playing center field following Starlin Marte's 80-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs, Bob Nightengale of the USA Today reports.

EDGE Analysis

The move back to center field should be fairly natural for McCutchen, as he'd spent his entire career at the spot prior to the 2017 season. However, whether or not McCutchen continues playing center field once Marte becomes eligible to return remains to be seen. Although his line is just .250/.291/.423 for the season, McCutchen has recorded a hit in eight consecutive games and notched six RBI over that span.

McCutchen launched a three-run home run -- his second homer in three games -- against the Cubs on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

He celebrated Jackie Robinson Day in style, moving past Barry Bonds for fourth place in career home runs among Pirates with 176. McCutchen also extended his batting streak to seven games (8-for-24).

McCutchen is batting .275/.370/.375 in 40 career at-bats against Saturday starter Jake Arrieta.

EDGE Analysis

Arrieta has faced McCutchen more times than any other batter in the majors. The outfielder is seeing fewer fastballs (50.6 percent) than last season (53.8) and more changeups (13.6 versus 10.4). He holds a league-average .100 ISO and holds a modest five-game hitting streak (7-for-20).

McCutchen went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run during Thursday's 4-3 loss to Boston.

EDGE Analysis

McCutchen is off to a mediocre start with just three runs, the home run, three RBI and a .250/.308/.361 slash line, and it's mildly concerning after he posted the worst campaign of his career in 2016. Still, McCutchen is locked into the heart of the order and deserves the benefit of the doubt considering his elite fantasy track record. It just might be unrealistic to expect him to fully rebound to his MVP level of production, and especially since the 30-year-old outfielder is probably nearing the end of his offensive prime.

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.