Andrew McCutchen’s emotional return to the Pittsburgh Pirates, the team where he originally became a star, has been cut short due to an unfortunate Achilles injury.
The veteran outfielder, who had been enjoying a resurgence in his second stint with the Pirates, is now set to spend the remainder of the 2023 season on the injured list.
McCutchen’s setback was revealed after he was forced to exit a game earlier this week against the Milwaukee Brewers.
As it turns out, the injury will require him to wear a walking boot for the next six weeks, effectively ending his 2023 season.
Well, no I’m not😞. Dang this sucks https://t.co/E02vqd8JPD
— Andrew McCutchen (@TheCUTCH22) September 6, 2023
Despite the Pirates facing yet another losing season, McCutchen’s return had injected excitement into the fan base. He had been a key contributor, ranking third on the team in hits and fifth in runs batted in.
While primarily serving as a designated hitter this season, he also displayed his versatility by making appearances in right field.
McCutchen, who has always been a beloved figure in Pittsburgh, expressed his desire to remain with the Pirates beyond this season, especially as he approaches a significant milestone in his career.
“I’ve vocalized plenty of times about wanting to be here,” McCutchen stated. He emphasized that hitting his 300th career home run “isn’t going to be right anywhere else.”
Where do you rank McCutchen among the best players of this current generation?