James McDonald and Andrew McCutchen both left today’s Spring Training game against the Tampa Bay Rays with injuries.
McDonald left the game today in the third inning. Rob Biertempfel reports that he walked off holding his left side and back, and might have been hurt throwing a pitch. Biertempfel also reports that McCutchen has a sore left wrist, which is the same report that Musselman gave for McCutchen. Both are heading to the Pirates’ medical complex for exams, according to Biertempfel.
This could be a big blow to the Pirates. McDonald is their best starter heading in to the 2011 season, and McCutchen is one of their best offensive weapons. The Pirates can’t afford to lose either player.