Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen tried to talk himself into Sunday’s lineup against the Cubs and was successful at first, but Pittsburgh’s coaches and trainers eventually decided to play it safe.
According to Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Jose Tabata is playing center field on Sunday afternoon at Wrigley Field with Matt Diaz covering left and Garrett Jones covering right.
McCutchen is only battling a bit of neck soreness and should be fine after a day or two of rest. He is 2-for-7 to open the season with a home run, two walks and two RBI. He has not yet attempted a steal.
