Pittsburgh Pirates DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen is absent from the starting lineup ahead of Sunday's game against the Cleveland Guardians. This appears to be a routine rest day for the 37-year-old veteran slugger. McCutchen is 3-for-8 with four RBI since returning from the injured list a few days ago. It appears some time off might've helped McCutchen get back on track with his bat. On Sunday, Oneil Cruz will serve as the designated hitter while Bryan De La Cruz plays right field versus right-hander Alex Cobb. Fantasy managers who have McCutchen rostered should adjust their lineups.

Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher David Bednar has been removed from the closer role, according to manager Derek Shelton. The 29-year-old has put together an awful 2024 season after back-to-back All-Star campaigns ahead of this season. This news isn't shocking considering Bednar has a 10.80 ERA with a 2.49 WHIP over his last 12 outings. The Pirates have seen enough after Bednar gave up five earned runs during his most recent outing against the Chicago Cubs. Shelton says the team plans to use a committee approach going forward. Aroldis Chapman figures to be the favorite to get save chances given his experience in that role.

The Pittsburgh Pirates announced on Friday that they reinstated outfielder/designated hitter Andrew McCutchen (knee) from the 10-day injured list and placed right-hander Ben Heller (shoulder) on the 15-day IL in a corresponding move. The Pirates haven't released their starting lineup for Friday's contest versus the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field, but McCutchen is likely to be in it against right-hander Ben Lively as the DH. The 37-year-old veteran didn't need to go on a minor-league rehab assignment after missing two weeks due to inflammation in his left knee. He'll be returning to a .235/.336/.405 slash line with 16 home runs, 40 RBI and 59 runs scored in his 378 at-bats this year. Fantasy managers will be hoping he can pick up where he left off in August after going 11-for-30 (.367) with three homers and 10 RBI from Aug. 2 through Aug. 16.

Pittsburgh Pirates DH/outfielder Bryan Reynolds went 3-for-5 with a home run, a walk, two RBI, and three runs scored in Wednesday's 14-10 loss to the Cubs. It was the second time the 29-year-old has gone yard in the last three games and he's now hit safely in seven of his last eight, going 11-for-32 (.344) over that stretch. The 2x All-star is putting together another productive season, authoring a .282-21-74-62-7 line with a .350 wOBA and 123 wRC+.

Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar imploded once again in Wednesday afternoon's loss to the visiting division-rival Chicago Cubs at PNC Park, allowing five runs and taking his sixth blown save of the season in the defeat. Summoned to protect a two-run lead in the ninth inning, Bednar gave up two hits and three walks while recording just two outs on 28 pitches before being mercifully pulled from Wednesday's disastrous outing against the Cubs. Besides tallying 23 saves for the Pirates this season, the 29-year-old right-hander has struggled all year long in Pittsburgh, posting a 6.32 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 49 strikeouts, and 18 walks over 47 frames. It wouldn't be surprising to see veteran southpaw Aroldis Chapman get more save chances going forward.