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The Numbers
59 G, .256/.378/.457, 10 HR, 29 RBI, 1.5 fWAR
The Bad
Obviously the biggest negative for Cutch this season is the injury that ended his season. On June 3, he suffered a torn ACL in his left knee while in a rundown between first and second base. Losing Cutch was like losing the team’s heart. The team that, until that point had been leading the NL East with a 33-27 record and had NL Pennant hopes, suddenly seemed to forget how to play baseball entirely. Shortly after Cutch’s injury, the Phillies went on a 7-11 stretch that included a seven-game losing streak. By the end of the month of June, they’d gone from being in first place in the division to trailing the Braves by 5.5 games. They never recovered. The vacancy in left field became a black hole of players, including Jay Bruce, Corey Dickerson, Brad Miller, Sean Rodriguez, Scott Kingery and Adam Haseley.
Of course, none of this is Cutch’s fault. It’s no one’s fault, accidental injuries happen all the time. But the end of his season and the beginning of the team’s downfall coinciding can’t just be a coincidence.
The Good
Before the injury, Cutch was one of the top players, not only on the Phillies’ roster, but in the entire league. His place at the top of the batting order set the tone for the rest of the lineup, making it difficult for opposing pitchers to navigate.
.@TheCUTCH22 starts the party. pic.twitter.com/uHqOYddmL1
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) March 28, 2019
Andrew McCutchen is the third @Phillies player in our database to hit a HR in the team's first PA of the season and the first to do it for the Phillies in Philadelphia since Heinie Mueller in 1930 https://t.co/aOntAWksb3 pic.twitter.com/SDx92BBpgB
— Baseball Reference (@baseball_ref) March 28, 2019
One silver lining to his injury was the promotion of Adam Haseley. After a phenomenal start to 2019 with Reading, Haseley was promoted to Lehigh Valley in late May. Less than a week later, he was promoted to the Phillies, making his Major League debut on June 4 in center field. While Haseley certainly wasn’t able to replace the five-time All-Star and 2013 NL MVP, he did get the opportunity to show he’s capable of being a starting outfielder at the Major League level.
Broooooo why Haseley had to play us like that!!?!?! Dope catch!
— andrew mccutchen (@TheCUTCH22) September 5, 2019
There’s also no way to measure the level of leadership, professionalism, entertainment and joy he brought to both the team and the fans, even after his injury.
How u hit water out ur own hand . That’s like tripping over ur own feet while laying down. Makes no sense https://t.co/ygsc6LkAjD
— andrew mccutchen (@TheCUTCH22) April 30, 2019
Great to see Andrew McCutchen back with the Phillies.
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) July 15, 2019
Only using 1 crutch now
Gabe Kapler says, even injured, his smile and energy can bring inspiration to the team#Phillies
@Phillies pic.twitter.com/hqibzYdEb5
After the injury, we also all got to witness the greatness that is Andrew McCutchen live-tweeting Phillies games. What a treat that was.
First... pic.twitter.com/r4FUxDZnHd
— andrew mccutchen (@TheCUTCH22) June 15, 2019
And then pic.twitter.com/V1xhdMp927
— andrew mccutchen (@TheCUTCH22) June 15, 2019
But wait, there’s more! pic.twitter.com/iTjQuKzVeK
— andrew mccutchen (@TheCUTCH22) June 15, 2019
Scotty too hotty right now!
— andrew mccutchen (@TheCUTCH22) June 16, 2019
Phils win! Phils win! Phils win! Phils win! Phils win! Phils win! Phils win! pic.twitter.com/2RuclB0SbB
— andrew mccutchen (@TheCUTCH22) June 25, 2019
I love it Scotty! No matter the score u r playing your butt off! Love that drive!
— andrew mccutchen (@TheCUTCH22) July 4, 2019
Rhys to Font pic.twitter.com/bY2v5Bv9rF
— andrew mccutchen (@TheCUTCH22) July 7, 2019
The Future
ACL reconstruction recovery time is generally 6-9 months, which puts Cutch’s projected return between December and February. Unless there are any setbacks, he should be fully recovered in time for Spring Training. Cutch is signed through the 2021 season, with a 2022 club option.
On God I’ll be back. Plain and simple. Screw that “I feel bad for you” talk. Aint no room for that. I appreciate the prayers. Now,back to your regularly scheduled program.
— andrew mccutchen (@TheCUTCH22) June 5, 2019