Andrew McCutchen Leaves Pirates For Personal Reasons

The 24-year-old McCutchen is the brightest of the Pirates’ young stars. He’s off to a mixed start this season, with his batting average just .230 but he’s been walking more than usual and showing good power. As usual, his defense in center field has been fantastic.

This is not an official roster move. Unlike the Seattle Mariners, who were allowed to replace Justin Smoak on their roster while he’s on the bereavement list in the wake of his father’s death, the Pirates will have to make do with 24 players until McCutchen returns.