Andrew McCutchen injury: Phillies outfielder exits with oblique tightness

With the Phillies down 10 runs in the ninth inning Sunday and Andrew McCutchen hurting, he removed himself from the game with oblique tightness.

McCutchen could be seen grabbing at his side throughout the game. He did not feel right in left field during a long ninth inning in which Hector Neris allowed six runs, and he came out of the game as Andrew Knapp entered to pitch.

Manager Joe Girardi said after the game that McCutchen will be reevaluated Monday. The Phillies finish their first half on the road with four games at the Cubs Monday through Thursday, then three in Boston.

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"He wanted to get out before it got bad," Girardi said. "I don’t really have any more than that, it’s still too soon."

McCutchen was the Phils' top run producer in the month of June. He hit .301/.424/.603 with four doubles, six homers, 20 RBI and three more walks than strikeouts. He’s also run well of late and looked to have more confidence on his feet than at any point since returning from a 2019 ACL tear. He had three stolen bases in a seven-game stretch from June 26 through July 3.

This latest injury comes just as the Phillies' lineup was fully healthy for the first time in two months. Didi Gregorius returned Friday after missing seven weeks with an elbow injury, but now McCutchen could miss time. The Phillies have played only five games all season with McCutchen, Gregorius, Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto, Rhys Hoskins, Jean Segura and Alec Bohm in the lineup together.

Beyond the Phillies’ own need for McCutchen in the lineup, he is one of their more interesting trade chips. He’s in the final year of a three-year, $50 million contract and if the Phillies cannot turn things around over the next three weeks, his services would be more useful to a contender than here.