NL Central Notes: McCutchen, Anderson, Swanson

The Pirates introduced this morning that that they had activated veteran outfielder Andrew McCutchen from the 10-day injured record. Infielder Rodolfo Castro was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding transfer.

McCutchen’s return ought to assist to spice up a Pirates offense that desperately wants a spark. After a scorching 20-8 begin to open the season, the membership has cratered to a 41-51 document that places in fourth place within the NL Central, 9.5 video games again of the division-leading Brewers. That free-fall within the standings could be primarily attributed to an offense that ranks useless final within the majors since Might 1 with a wRC+ of simply 79, 21% under league common. Because the group’s offense has slumped, McCutchen has maintained stable manufacturing with a .275/.399/.398 slash line in 208 plate appearances because the begin of Might.

Whereas McCutchen’s regular veteran presence and an injection of youth from the likes of Henry Davis and Nick Gonzales have helped to regular the membership’s offense considerably, the Pirates will want improved efficiency from star outfielder Bryan Reynolds, who has slashed simply .150/.209/.250 since coming back from low again irritation earlier this month. That efficiency has dropped his drop his wRC+ to only 109 this season, a far cry from the 133 wRC+ he provided the previous two seasons.

Extra from across the NL Central…

• The Brewers introduced in the present day that that they had positioned third baseman Brian Anderson on the 10-day IL with a low again pressure. It’s been a tough season for Anderson because the 30 12 months outdated has slashed simply .229/.317/.373 with a wRC+ of 90 in 85 video games this season whereas performing as Milwaukee’s major third baseman. Changing Anderson on the roster is infielder Jahmai Jones, who kicked his Brewers profession off by going 2-4 with a double, a stroll, and a stolen base in 5 journeys to the plate after signing with the membership on a serious league deal earlier this month. Infielder Andruw Monasterio figures to deal with the new nook whereas Anderson is on the shelf, with Jones sliding into Monasterio’s typical utility position.
• Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson is eligible to return off the IL for the primary time in the present day after struggling a left heel contusion simply earlier than the All-Star break. That being stated, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma relays that supervisor David Ross expects Swanson to be out for a least a short while longer. In keeping with Ross, whereas Swanson’s heel improved over the break, he nonetheless is feeling “some ache” when operating the bases. Whereas Swanson is on the shelf, Nico Hoerner has slid from second base to shortstop, opening up the keystone for Christopher Morel.