CLEARWATER, Fla. (CBS/AP) — Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Andrew McCutchen will reportedly not be ready for opening day. Phillies manager Joe Girardi told reporters Friday the team expects McCutchen will be ready to play sometime in April, according to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki.
Andrew McCutchen will not be ready by Opening Day. #Phillies think he’ll be back sometime in April. They said he just needs more time.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) February 28, 2020
McCutchen suffered a torn ACL on June 3 last season in San Diego but said last week that he planned to be ready for opening day.
“I’m doing everything. I don’t have any limitations. It’s just about going out there and doing everything at 100%,” McCutchen said. “Some things I’m doing pretty good, some things I’m still working on.”
Girardi told reporters McCutchen didn’t suffer any setbacks, but that he needs more time, according to The Athletic’s Matt Gelb.
McCutchen didn't suffer any sort of setback, Girardi said. The team just doesn't think there is enough time to him adequately prepare him for March 26. Still tests to pass.
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) February 28, 2020
Last season, McCutchen hit .259 with 10 homers and 29 RBIs batting leadoff for the Phillies in an abbreviated season.
The Phillies open the 2020 season on March 26 in Miami.
(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
