X-rays negative, Cutch a 'little sore' after HBP

PITTSBURGH -- Andrew McCutchen is used to getting pitched inside. He's accustomed to getting pegged by pitches like a dodgeball player.

Saturday was nothing new for McCutchen, in that regard. But it was no less painful, as he had to exit the Pirates' 8-4 win over the Braves during the first inning after taking a 91-mph fastball from Julio Teheran off his left elbow.

McCutchen said his elbow is just sore and bruised. X-rays came back negative. He'll be reevaluated when he reports to PNC Park on Sunday morning.

While McCutchen has grown used to being plunked by opposing pitchers, it still bewilders him. He's occasionally questioned himself, wondering why he seems to be on the receiving end of so many errant inside pitches.

"I'm not close to the plate. Pitchers are just up and in. That's pretty tough," McCutchen said. "I hate getting hit. But worse than that, I guess pitchers don't like to get their ERA ran up with a fastball over the middle of the plate and me being able to do damage with it, either. I'm sure they'd rather hit me than do that."

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That was the case Saturday, when Teheran said he was just trying to establish the inner half of the plate without making a mistake out over the plate. It was the first two-seam fastball he threw, and it broke right into McCutchen's elbow.

"I feel bad that I hit him," Teheran said.

McCutchen immediately bent over in pain and walked toward the Pirates' dugout. He said his elbow went numb. When the feeling didn't wear off like it usually does, McCutchen walked into the dugout and down the tunnel.

"I just came out. It's not worth it," he said. "I'd rather get checked and make sure I'm fine. Structurally I'm fine. Just going to be a little sore."

McCutchen has been hit by eight pitches this season, tied for sixth most in the Majors. He's been hit 48 times in his big league career.

He has yet to find a wearable arm guard that feels comfortable, but he acknowledged that he might have to keep looking. If he had worn one Saturday, he would've been standing at first base rather than doubled over near the dugout.

McCutchen's frustration turned into exasperation Saturday night, as he jokingly searched for solutions.

"I should really look into being a dodgeball -- actually I shouldn't, because I'm getting hit, so I'd get out pretty quick," he said. "I'm definitely learning some moves and seeing how limber I am.

"I don't know, maybe I need to dropkick a pitcher. Maybe that'll scare them to not throw me in. I don't know. I've never done that. Who knows? Maybe I should do something like that next time."