Andrew McCutchen's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen is absent from the starting lineup ahead of Monday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals. The veteran slugger has started in six of the last seven contests. That being said, it's not shocking to see McCutchen getting a rest day with the Pirates having little incentive to win with their season basically over. In his place, Joey Bart will serve as the designated hitter and bat third versus right-hander Andre Pallante. Bart is in the middle of a breakout season with a .267 batting average and 13 home runs with 43 RBI in 71 games this season. He has a favorable matchup here for fantasy managers looking for a streaming option or DFS help.

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder/designated hitter Andrew McCutchen (knee) is back as the designated hitter and is batting cleanup for the Bucs on Friday against the Washington Nationals and rookie left-hander DJ Herz at PNC Park. McCutchen missed the last two games dur go lingering soreness in his knee, which has already landed him on the injured list this year, but he's feeling better now and is ready to go for the weekend. The 37-year-old former MVP is obviously no longer the player he was in his prime when he was an All-Star for five straight seasons from 2011-15 with the Pirates, but he can still provide serviceable numbers in deeper fantasy leagues when he's healthy. Since Aug. 2, he's hitting .333 (15-for-45) with five home runs, two doubles and 16 RBI in 13 games played. McCutchen has never faced Herz in his career.

Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton said that outfielder/designated hitter Andrew McCutchen (knee) was scratched from the lineup on Wednesday against the division-rival Chicago Cubs because his knee was a "little cranky" when he showed up to the field. "He's 37 years old, and some days he wakes up and feels better than he does. He's still available," Shelton said. The Pirates probably could have used McCutchen on Wednesday, as they were no hit by lefty starter Shota Imanaga and two relievers in an 12-0 blowout loss. McCutchen recently returned from a stint on the injured list due to inflammation in the same knee, so this isn't a great sign. In four games since his return, he's gone 4-for-15 with two homers and six RBI. With McCutchen out on Wednesday, Oneil Cruz was the DH and Michael Taylor got the start in center field. The Pirates aren't going to rush the aging veteran back into the lineup at this point.