News from Phillies Spring Training from Joe Girardi that Andrew McCutchen will start the 2020 season on the injury list.

Girardi added that this wasn’t a setback from his 2019 injury, the team just doesn’t think he will have enough time to get prepared before Opening Day.

Andrew McCutchen leaves game with knee injury 🤦🏼‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/9J0EAlhqIZ

— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) June 4, 2019

It’s not the end of the world, but a healthy Andrew McCutchen can definitely help this team. The guy can literally be plugged anywhere in the batting order and although he’s not an MVP caliber player anymore – he’s still a guy that can provide a spark when he steps up to the plate. Last year Cutch was off to a .256 avg, 10 hrs, and 29 rbi start in his 262 plate appearances before the injury struck.

With Cutch out early – this definitely opens up a spot that someone needs to fill in the outfield. Jay Bruce will most likely move up to fill Cutch’s spot – leaving the door open for Neil Walker, Kyle Garlick, or Nick Martini to secure a bench role.

McCutchen should be ready to take the field in April.