Andrew McCutchen’s recovery from injury ‘remarkable’

July 31, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) hits an RBI single in the seventh inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
July 31, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) hits an RBI single in the seventh inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s been a rough few weeks for the Pittsburgh Pirates and All-Star outfielder Andrew McCutchen. Just days ago the center fielder was placed on the disabled list with rib cartilage damage, an injury that often takes a significant amount of time to heal.

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That injury came just a day after McCutchen was intentionally plunked by the Arizona Diamondbacks who were seeking revenge for losing slugger Paul Goldschmidt for the season. Some speculated that Andrew McCutchen may have suffered the injury because of the hit by pitch, though medical professionals hinted otherwise and said the two had no correlation.

Regardless that didn’t likely make Pittsburgh Pirates fans feel any better as it was hinted they may without their outfielder until the middle of September, not a good sign given the tight playoff race in the National League.

However there is good news to report on the status of Andrew McCutchen as his progress in recovery has been deemed ‘remarkable’.

It was noted that McCutchen isn’t ready to return to game action at this point and there was not a specific timetable put on a return. Still, the fact that it’s even being talked about is significant considering it’s only been five days since he was placed on the DL and the expectation of many was that he would miss a month of action.

Assuming there are no setback’s in the coming days or even weeks, it sounds like McCutchen will be making an earlier return than expected – though an official date has yet to be announced.