Larger text
Smaller text
Pirates’ McCutchen named NL Player of the Month
vs. ASTROS7:05 p.m. today, PNC Park
TV/radio: Root Sports/KDKA-FM (93.7), WCNS-AM (1480), WJPA-AM (1450), Pirates Radio Network, XM 187
Probable pitchers: Astros RHP Lucas Harrell (7-6, 4.33 ERA) vs. Pirates RHP A.J. Burnett (9-2, 3.31 ERA)
1:35 p.m. Wednesday: Astros LHP Dallas Keuchel (1-0, 1.35 ERA) vs. Pirates RHP Kevin Correia (4-6, 4.32 ERA)
7:05 p.m. Thursday: Astros RHP Bud Norris (5-5, 4.90 ERA) vs. Pirates RHP Jeff Karstens (1-2, 5.25 ERA)
By Karen Price
Published: Monday, July 2, 2012, 5:52 p.m.
Updated: Monday, July 2, 2012
McCutchen named Player of Month
Andrew McCutchen was named the National League Player of the Month for June on Monday, becoming the first Pirates player to receive the honor since Jason Bay in May 2006.
McCutchen finished last month second in the league in RBI (26), second in batting average (.370), tied for third in home runs (seven), fourth in slugging percentage (.732) and sixth in on-base percentage (.420).
His 40 hits led the National League, his batting average was third best among qualifying major league players.
The All-Star center fielder was back in the starting lineup Monday night against the Houston Astros at PNC Park after missing Sunday's series finale in St. Louis with a sprained left wrist.
“I felt like I could have played Sunday, but precautions and all that,” McCutchen said. “They'd rather have me out for a day than have me out for a couple weeks, so I took the day off (Sunday), as bad as I didn't want to take one off.”
McCutchen said it was hard watching the Pirates lose by one run and miss the chance to sweep the Cardinals in St. Louis.
“I knew I could have been out there helping the team,” he said. “But it's about health, so I took the day off and I'm ready to go.”
• Pedro Alvarez did not start Monday's game because of lingering soreness from right leg cramps that forced him out of Sunday's game in the eighth inning. The Pirates' third baseman was on the field in the afternoon running in front of coach Jeff Banister and a member of the training staff. “He went out, did all his work, felt close, but might be in situation where one more day would put us in a better place,” manager Clint Hurdle said. Alvarez was available off the bench.
• Rod Barajas also was a late scratch from the starting lineup. Originally expected to start and take Tuesday off as he recovers from a bone bruise to his left knee suffered a week ago in Philadelphia, Barajas was replaced by Michael McKenry.
• Chris Resop and his teammates hosted 50 children from All of Us Care, a Volunteers of America Pennsylvania program, at Monday's game via the Buses for Baseball program.
• The Pirates signed 24th-round pick Tyler Gaffney, an outfielder out of Stanford who hit .245 with 10 doubles, one triple and two home runs, with 17 RBI and 48 runs scored.
— Karen Price
Most Popular Pirates
- Pirates notebook: Penguins jerseys in fashion for road trip
- Improved depth could drive Pirates’ fortunes deep into season
- Snider’s grand slam pushes Pirates to late victory over Cubs
- Pirates minor league notebook: Former 5th-round pick Glasnow shining in rotation
- Pirates notebook: Botched popup shocks Martin
- Pirates notebook: Karstens still working out as a starter
- Pirates notebook: Gomez to start Sunday, McDonald has MRI
- Biertempfel: Ex-Pirates closer Capps wonders if workload led to injuries
- Mets phenom Harvey takes next shot against Pirates
- Pirates notebook: Replay could catch players in a trap
- Error in 9th allows Pirates to rally past Astros
You must be signed in to add comments
To comment, click the Sign in or sign up at the very top of this page.
Didn't Alvarez win Player of the Month in Sept. 2010?
Subscribe today! Click here for our subscription offers.
