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.

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).