McCutchen after being hit by pitch in 2nd straight game: 'Maybe I need to drop-kick a pitcher'
Andrew McCutchen is tired of being pitched inside.
The Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder left Saturday's contest with the Atlanta Braves in the first inning after getting hit by a Julio Teheran 91-mph fastball on his left elbow. He was also plunked Friday night by Williams Perez.
"Maybe I need to drop-kick a pitcher. Maybe that'll scare them into not throwing me in," a frustrated McCutchen vented after the game.
The Pirates announced shortly after McCutchen's exit that X-rays on the elbow came back negative and that he'll be re-evaluated Sunday. He has now been hit by a pitch seven times this year.
"I sometimes question myself and wonder 'Why?' Am I Anthony Rizzo where I'm right on top of the plate? I assessed that today. No, I'm not close to the plate," McCutchen added. "Pitchers are just up and in ... pitchers don't like to get their ERAs run up."
The 2013 National League MVP entered the game having slashed .295/.384/.490 with nine homers and 44 RBIs.