McCutchen is nursing a tight back but expects to play Saturday against the Red Sox, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. The outfielder said his back was "a little tight when I woke up this morning."

EDGE Analysis

He wore a heat wrap on his lower back before Saturday's game. McCutchen has dealt with chronic knee issues throughout his career but has never made mention of back problems. The Pirates have little incentive to play him during a meaningless exhibition game, so if there's any question about his injury then he'll likely sit out. Otherwise, the tight back may simply indicate that the former NL MVP is now 30 years old.