Like fine wine
Pirates’ McCutchen still has it at 38-years-old
Associated Press
PITTSBURGH — There aren’t too many 38-year-old right fielders, but Andrew McCutchen was able to play the position that Pittsburgh legend Roberto Clemente made famous in Friday’s home opener against the New York Yankees at PNC Park.
The Pirates suffered a 9-4 loss to the “Bronx Bombers,” but McCutchen showed he can still get the job down in the outfield.
“It’s like riding a bike,” said McCutchen when asked about playing the position he rarely sees during this point of his career. “Some things you may lose physically, but when it comes to playing in the outfield, I feel like I can still do it. I may not be able to do it as much as I used to, but when given the opportunity, I know I can play good enough in the outfield to where I’m not hurting the team.”
McCutchen hasn’t played much in the field the last several seasons, as he has grown into a designated hitter, but with Bryan Reynolds dealing with right triceps soreness, the 2013 National League MVP decided to step up and help the team.
Pittsburgh manager Derek Shelton with how McCutchen performed in the field and at the plate, but he is not shocked given the veteran’s resume.
“Obviously, he had really good swings,” Shelton said. “He did a nice job getting to the ball that was down the line, and I thought he made a really nice play on the ball that (Ben) Rice hit.
“The guy’s a pro and he’s prepared. The one thing about it is I don’t know how much he is going to be able to do it because of his legs, but I thought he was really good today.”
McCutchen didn’t play in the field during spring training, and although he was pleased with his performance, the next day will be telling.
“Ask me tomorrow,” said McCutchen when asked about how he felt playing in the field. “I worked really hard and it was great to be in the
starting lineup.”
McCutchen was 3 for 4 and his last hit chased New York starter Max Fried.
“I got lucky with one hit, and he came over to me and said, ‘C’mon man,'” said McCutchen. “I was like, ‘Dude, all those times you dominated me over the years, now I’m taking those hits.
“He (Fried) is a good pitcher, but I just try to be a ball player and get something to hit, and once you get it, don’t miss it. I know, as a starter, he wanted to go six innings and not be taken out after 5 ⅔ but I felt like it was an all-around good day for me at the plate.”
In the one at-bat where McCutchen didn’t get a hit, he beat a 6-4-3 double play, which showed that he can still get down the baseline well, despite being 38-years-old.
Paul Skenes had the loudest ovation when the players were introduced Friday, but McCutchen was received quite well.
“It means the most to me,” said McCutchen when asked about the fans’ reception towards him. “Obviously, you can’t do this forever, so I try to play every day like it’s my last one. It is great to get that from the crowd, and to do it here on opening day in Pittsburgh is great because who knows if I’ll ever get that opportunity again.”