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Pirates' McCutchen says he's 'good to go'

Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Pirates expect outfielder Andrew McCutchen to rejoin the team Tuesday, the first day he's eligible to come off the disabled list.

Manager Clint Hurdle told reporters that although he's optimistic McCutchen is ready to return, the club has yet to make a final determination. 

McCutchen was spotted taking batting practice before Monday's series opener against Atlanta, another promising sign he's recovering well from a fractured rib suffered earlier this month.

Following a pain-free session of pregame hitting, McCutchen declared himself "good to go."

Said the Pirates center fielder: "If something’s going to be hurt, I’d feel it already," he said, according to Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "That’s not an issue. I know, just from the first swing, if I’m going to be good or not. I felt fine the whole time."

McCutchen hasn't appeared in a game since Aug. 3, and his club is quickly losing ground in the National League Central race in his absence.

Pittsburgh has lost five straight games and eight of 13 since McCutchen hit the DL, placing them 5 1/2 back of division-leading Milwaukee.

McCutchen's return couldn't come at a more critical time for the Pirates, who begin a three-game set at home against Atlanta on Monday. The two clubs are both 1 1/2 games out of the NL's second wild-card spot.

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