McCutchen (rib) took swings and threw from 90 feet Saturday, Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. According to manager Clint Hurdle, the activities are a big step for the star outfielder. A timetable for his return remains uncertain, but for now he continues to avoid a stint on the disabled list. Since McCutchen has not appeared in a game since August 3, the Pirates still have the luxury of backdating a DL stint, if they deem that to be the best course of action.

McCutchen (broken rib) remains out of the Pirates' lineup Saturday. Not much to see here, as McCutchen's status remains in limbo with the team waiting to see if he can make enough progress in the next couple days to avoid the DL. Manager Clint Hurdle said Friday that McCutchen has taken "a couple" of swings to test his level of pain with the broken rib.

McCutchen has taken "a couple" of swings, according to manager Clint Hurdle, and the team will continue to be patient in regard to a DL decision, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. "We're willing to stretch [a] few more days on his behalf," Hurdle said. Despite the seemingly severe nature of McCutchen's injury -- a broken rib -- the Pirates remain hopeful that he can avoid the DL. The clocking is ticking, however, and if he doesn't make significant improvement by early next week, the team may be forced to add some reinforcements. Starling Marte will continue to man center field in his absence, with Russell Martin batting third.

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said Thursday that there remains "a chance" McCutchen (ribs) avoids the DL, Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. Initial reports suggested McCutchen could miss up to a month with the fractured rib, but he remains active for the time being. While Hurdle said the reigning NL MVP is improving, the team may not have a choice but to make a move if McCutchen isn't ready by early next week.

McCutchen (oblique) is listed on the Pirates' lineup card as a reserve again Thursday, Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. Diagnosed with an avulsion fracture involving his 11th rib earlier in the week, McCutchen seems likely to wind up on the disabled list, but the team is still holding out hope that his condition will improve enough in the next few days to where he can avoid the DL. Starling Marte figures to continue manning center field in his absence.

McCutchen (oblique) is yet to be placed on the DL, as he's waiting to see if his condition improves, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. It seems as though McCutchen is destined to hit the DL in the near future, but he continues to wait it out in hopes of finding a quick improvement. On top of the oblique injury, he's also dealing with some cartilage damage around his ribs. X-rays earlier in the week came back negative, which is a obviously encouraging, but McCutchen continues to experience discomfort that will keep him out of the lineup until further notice.

McCutchen (oblique) is expected to be placed on the disabled list, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Andrew McCutchen will bat leadoff and play center field for the National League in Tuesday's All-Star Game. McCutchen hit .324/.420/.575 in the first half of the 2014 season and is currently sporting the highest OPS+ (179) of any NL player. The full National League lineup: CF Andrew McCutchen, RF Yasiel Puig, SS Troy Tulowitzki, 1B Paul Goldschmidt, DH Giancarlo Stanton, 3B Aramis Ramirez, 2B Chase Utley, C Jonathan Lucroy, LF Carlos Gomez. Adam Wainwright is the starting pitcher.

Andrew McCutchen homered twice to lead the Pirates past the Reds 6-5 on Saturday night. McCutchen smacked a game-tying solo homer in the top of the ninth inning and then a go-ahead solo shot in the top of the 11th. The reigning National League MVP also doubled in the game. He's batting .325/.422/.573 with 17 homers, 61 RBI, and 15 steals this year for the Bucs.

Andrew McCutchen was 2-for-3 with a solo home run, a walk, and two runs scored Friday against the Reds. McCutchen has gone deep three times in his last seven games and is now up to 15 home runs on the season. The 27-year-old is hitting .372 (16-for-43) this month and owns a fantastic .321/.418/.552 batting line through 91 games this season. With a career-high walk rate, he's really the total package right now.