McCutchen, who went 0-for-4 against the Astros on Monday, has just two hits in his last 16 at-bats.

EDGE Analysis

It looked like his struggles where past him after a successful West Coast road trip, but he's cooled off since returning to PNC Park. Despite working a three-balls-and-one-strike count Monday, he rolled over an outside pitch, resulting in a weak grounder to the left side of the infield -- indicative of both his lack of plate discipline and an unwillingness to go opposite field.

Although McCutchen sports a .472 on-base percentage and 12:8 BB:K since the Pirates benched him in the beginning of August, he doesn't believe the time off helped him. "I will forever tell you that (those) three days had nothing to do with what I'm doing," McCutchen told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "I would've done this regardless. I might have five more hits in three games. Instead of hitting .240, I could be hitting .260."

EDGE Analysis

He's slashing .317/.472/.512 in 53 August plate appearances, stealing three bases in four attempts. McCutchen has seen false glimmers of hope before in 2016, but the improvement in plate discipline is most encouraging -- prior to his August turnaround he held just a 35:107 BB:K. Look for a strong finish from the five-time All-Star.

McCutchen went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run as part of a six-run sixth inning that helped the Pirates to a 6-5 win over the Giants.

EDGE Analysis

McCutchen is still hitting just .248 on the year, and is on pace for his worst statistical season since 2011, but has shown signs of life of late, hitting .346/.469/.654 in his last seven games. One potential reason why: despite his 17 home runs putting him roughly on pace for his average over the past five years, he's putting the ball on the ground more often, his 0.76 groundout to flyout ratio being the most extreme of his career.

McCutchen went 2-for-4 with a solo homer, two RBI and his 5th stolen base of the season Friday against the Dodgers.

EDGE Analysis

He also made a highlight reel catch in center field. Since the Bucs benched McCutchen in early August, he's hit .273/.448/.409. He's also drawn seven unintentional walks in seven games. Prior to then he collected seven walks in 33 starts, an indication that his plate discipline is improving. McCutchen is 4-for-10 with a double against Saturday starter Brandon McCarthy.

McCutchen went 0-for-2 with a pair of walks and his fourth stolen base Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Following a three-game benching to unplug, the center fielder attempted two stolen bases with head-first slides -- an indication of his freshness (he returned to first base following a foul ball on the other attempt). McCutchen is still trying to find his way at the plate, however. He struck out looking with a runner on third base and one out in the eighth inning of a one-run game.

McCutchen is back in the lineup Friday against the Reds, Stephen J. Nesbitt of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

The five-time All-Star did not play at all during the Atlanta series, as the team looked to recharge McCutchen's batteries after a .204/.259/.296 start to the second half. McCutchen's plate skills have slipped this year, with his walk rate dipping by more than five percent while his strikeout rate has jumped in the wrong direction, but he's earned everyday at-bats for the Pirates and should remain active in most formats.

McCutchen is out of the lineup for Thursday's tilt with Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

As expected, McCutchen is out of the lineup for the final game of the series with Atlanta Thursday. The 29-year-old showed frustrations that he wasn't dealt before the trade deadline and the Pirates wanted to give him several games off to reestablish a winning mindset heading into the playoff push. Starling Marte is making a start in center in McCutchen's absence.

The Pirates are expected to keep McCutchen on the bench for both Wednesday and Thursday, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

EDGE Analysis

Including Monday's off day, that would give the center fielder four full days of rest prior to Friday's home game against Cincinnati. Pittsburgh has to hope the time away gives McCutchen enough of a break to re-set both on the field and off -- he was critical of the team's recent deadline deals.

McCutchen is out of Wednesday's lineup against the Braves, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

EDGE Analysis

McCutchen, who's gone just 4-for-21 (.190) over the last seven days, will sit out his second consecutive game. The Pirates will go with an outfield lineup of Gregory Polanco, Starling Marte, and Matt Joyce as they take on Rob Whalen and the Braves.

McCutchen is not in the Pirates starting lineup on Tuesday against the Braves.

EDGE Analysis

McCutchen is hitting just .211 with 11 strikeouts over his last 38 at-bats. He will take a seat as Matt Joyce gets a start in the outfield on Tuesday. Expect McCutchen back in the lineup on Wednesday for the Pirates at Turner Field.