McCutchen went 2-for-4 with a double Saturday against the Blue Jays. The star outfielder has started three of four games since coming back from lower-body soreness. He's still looking for his timing, striking out three times since returning, but all systems are go for McCutchen.

McCutchen (lower body) went 0-for-2 with a strikeout Tuesday after missing 10 Grapefruit League games, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. McCutchen, who sprinted to make a fine, first-inning grab, declined to reveal the specific nature of his injury. "It was just overall lower body," he said. "That's it. Just being tight, not being myself. I'm just glad to be on the field again." The center fielder added he wouldn't have missed any time if the injury occurred during the regular season. "I would have been out there in a jiffy," he noted. It appears as though fantasy owners can take a deep sigh of relief.

McCutchen (lower body) will be in the lineup playing center field Tuesday against the Orioles, the Pittsburgh Tribune's Rob Biertempfel reports. He had an ice wrap on his knee Sunday and is not in Monday's lineup, but his return Tuesday is an excellent sign that he will be ready in time for Opening Day, as McCutchen has been claiming he would be.

Pirates GM Neal Huntington expects McCutchen to be in the Opening Day lineup "barring any setbacks" during the final two weeks of spring training, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. McCutchen, who was seen Sunday with ice wrapped around his knee area, believes he'll have enough time to prepare for the opener April 6. "Man, I'll be ready," the outfielder proclaimed. Manager Clint Hurdle added that he expects McCutchen to return to game action in the coming week. He's not in Monday's lineup against Tampa Bay.

McCutchen (lower body) remains out of the starting lineup Sunday against the Astros, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. "He had another full day of work activity Saturday and is feeling better," manager Clint Hurdle said. There's no reason to doubt the team, but fantasy owners would feel much more comfortable if McCutchen actually played in a game or two.

McCutchen (lower body) is expected to go through baserunning drills Sunday, Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. There is still no target date for McCutchen to return to Grapefruit League action, but manager Clint Hurdle said he is progressing, and baserunning work is typically the final hurdle a player must clear before returning to games. McCutchen has logged just 14 plate appearances in five spring exhibitions to this point, but he has said he could play if it were the regular season.

McCutchen isn't listed in Thursday's starting lineup against the Orioles. There continues to be no panic around the team, as McCutchen takes batting practice daily and walks without a limp. Still, knee soreness before the start of the season throws up at least a little red flag. Manager Clint Hurdle has yet to give a timeline for his return.

McCutchen (lower body) is not in Wednesday's starting lineup against the Tigers. The star center fielder has never missed action with a lower body injury this early in camp. "I'm taking my time," he told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "Rather be safe than sorry." McCutchen has gone on record saying he could play if the games were in the regular season, but it's troubling that he's taken the field only once or twice this spring.

McCutchen (lower body) took part in Tuesday's team workout and said afterward that he feels fine, mlb.com reports. It seems the Pirates are just being cautious with their superstar center fielder. McCutchen did not say when he expects to get back in games, but he doesn't seem worried about his lower body soreness.

McCutchen (lower body) remains out of Tuesday's lineup, according to Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. The Pirates continue to be careful with McCutchen -- who hasn't played since Thursday. A rare off-day Monday was not enough rest for the star outfielder. He did take part in batting practice and other drills prior to Tuesday's tilt against the Astros, a good sign.