District On Deck
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Washington Nationals: 5 To watch in visit to Pittsburgh

By Ricky Keeler

May 10, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Francisco Cervelli (29) is greeted by third baseman Josh Harrison (5) after hitting a two run home run in the ninth inning against Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Kenta Maeda (not pictured) at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Francisco Cervelli (29) is greeted by third baseman Josh Harrison (5) after hitting a two run home run in the ninth inning against Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Kenta Maeda (not pictured) at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Andrew McCutchen

It was a rough offseason for McCutchen as he was at the center of trade rumors, including ones with the Nats before the Eaton deal. Then, he had to switch to right field before going back to center due to the Starling Marte suspension.

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So far, it’s been a rough season for McCutchen, especially this month. In the month of May, he has three home runs, but he’s 8-for-51 at the plate with five RBI’s and ten strikeouts. Plus, he is struggling to hit right-handed pitching (.158 average in 95 at-bats).

If the Pirates continue to struggle, they are going to be sellers at the trade deadline and McCutchen’s name will certainly resurface again. Marte will eventually come back and they do have one of the top outfield prospects in all of baseball in Austin Meadows.

However, if McCutchen’s slide continues, the price for him at the trade deadline will get lower and lower. Yes, he has 13 extra-base hits this year, but the Pirates can’t be happy that he only has an on-base percentage of .288. He is far from the player that won the NL MVP in 2013 and who led the league in on-base percentage and OPS in 2014.

Now, in 47 games against the Washington Nationals in his career, McCutchen has a .333 average with 14 home runs and 32 RBI’s. But, he did not have an RBI in 28 at-bats against them a season ago. One of those home runs came against Roark in 2015 (2-for-5, one home run, two RBI’s).

Next: Taylor a different player in May

Who are the players that you are watching in Pittsburgh this week? Send us your thoughts in the comments section below.

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