McCutchen (lower body) will not play Saturday or Sunday, according to 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh. McCutchen has dealt with a balky knee throughout his career and was seen icing his left knee in recent days. He said he could play if it was the regular season, but fantasy owners have to be at least a tad concerned because the injury cropped up so early in camp and it's typically been an overuse injury in past seasons.

McCutchen was removed from Friday's spring training lineup because of lower-body soreness. This doesn't sound like anything serious, as the Pirates are likely just trying to play things safe. It'll only be a concern if McCutchen can't get back in the lineup within the next few days.

McCutchen stroked his first hit (a double) of the spring Monday. He played six innings innings in center field, alleviating fears he's been nursing an injury. The Pirates have already come out and said that McCutchen will see more down time in an effort to keep him fresh throughout the entire season. He suffered a rib avulsion fracture in August and typically misses a game or two with a long-standing knee condition. That said, he's averaged 154 games over the past five seasons.

McCutchen is slated to start in center field Monday against the Twins. He hasn't played in the field since the Grapefruit League opener. As a designated hitter Saturday, McCutchen didn't run full speed after hitting a ground ball, fueling speculation that he might be dealing with a minor lower-body injury. His Monday start alleviates some of the fear he's playing at less than 100 percent.

McCutchen went hitless in three at-bats as Pittsburgh's designated hitter Thursday against the Yankees. He was originally listed as the Bucs' starting center fielder Thursday but instead DH'ed against New York. The team gave no reason for the switch. McCutchen had no noticeable physical limitations running, though he obviously didn't make any throws. He's not scheduled to make the team's trip to Tampa Bay on Friday so the next chance to see him in the field will be Saturday.

The Pirates may rest McCutchen more frequently in 2015. "Andrew, like all those guys, wants to play," manager Clint Hurdle said. "But there comes a point where we want to maximize productivity," the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. McCutchen, who averaged 157 games played in his first four full seasons, went on the disabled list for the first time in his career last summer (he still appeared in 146 contests). The team is deeper than in past years and will look to give the 28-year-old an occasional day off. On those occasions, Starling Marte will likely slide over to center field from left, with Andrew Lambo, Sean Rodriguez, Josh Harrison or possibly even Corey Hart taking the vacated outfield spot.

McCutchen went 1-for-4 with an RBI double Friday against the Reds. His 38th double tied his single-season high. McCutchen still needs two stolen bases to reach 20 -- a level he's hit in each of his five prior seasons. His .954 OPS leads all NL hitters and is narrowly better than his own career best (.953).

McCutchen provided all of the offense for the Pirates Monday, cracking a solo home run in Pittsburgh's win. McCutchen's solo shot was all the Pirates would need thanks to a strong start from Francisco Liriano. The center fielder has been consistently strong all season, collecting 24 home runs and 76 RBI.

McCutchen, who has swiped at least 20 bags in each of his first five seasons, remains stuck on 17 stolen bases heading into the final week of 2014. He was picked off first and was caught stealing over the weekend. Look for the center fielder to be active on the basepaths in Week 26. McCutchen was hit by two Matt Garza fastballs Saturday and also collided with the center field wall, but hasn't missed any action. He has just four RBI in September, but holds a .329/.417/.534 line in 19 games. Keep in mind that Pittsburgh might choose to rest McCutchen after its playoff ranking is determined.

McCutchen went 1-for-4 with a double and a run scored Thursday in Philadelphia. He was the object of a high and tight 96 mph fastball thrown by Luis Garcia. McCutchen narrowly avoided the bean ball to the head on a night in which a number of fellow major leaguers weren't so lucky. On a positive note, McCutchen hasn't shown any noticeable effects of a rib avulsion fracture, racing around the bases during an inside-the-park homer Wednesday.