EXCLUSIVE: McCutchen's Mother Weighs In On Injury Situation
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Pittsburgh Pirates fans have been holding their breath today waiting to hear about the health of centerfielder Andrew McCutchen.
There is no doubt that McCutchen is the cornerstone of the organization both on and off the field. The question remains, without the face of the franchise in the lineup, how will the Pirates fare?
"It's never good to have one of your big guys go down," Ryan McCleary said.
That's especially true when that big guy is the reigning National League MVP.
"I think they can win for three or four weeks without him. If he was out the rest of the year, I doubt it, but he's having another MVP season," Jim Ray said.
It's safe to say no one cares more about McCutchen's health than his mom and dad.
"Yesterday, he went in and got an MRI. So, I don't know. I guess he is hearing a couple different things, but I guess I will let the Pirates let you guys know what it is. But, as far as we know, it's the oblique," McCutchen's mom, Petrina, said.
The last we saw McCutchen, he was grimacing in pain and being helped to the clubhouse in Arizona. He was hit in the back with a fastball the night before.
"I told him yesterday, 'Whatever the doctors tell you, don't come up with your own prognosis. You listen to what they tell you, and if it takes you 15, 30, 60 days, then you need to take the time because you don't want to go on the field half ready,'" Petrina said.
Watch The Full Interview With Petrina McCutchen:
Petrina also said Andrew has never been on the disabled list in his big league career and warned him that this is no time to try to be a hero.
"He knows the importance of conditioning and staying in shape and being ready for the long haul -- not just for short term -- even though he would prefer to be on the field. The most important thing is that he heals and therefore, he can play for the long term. You know, and if it's however many days, he'll do what he needs to do," she said.
Regardless of when or how much Andrew McCutchen can play remains to be seen, but the season must go on.
In fact, the season continues with an eight-game home stand that opens tonight against the Miami Marlins.
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