SFGiants Lose Big in Andrew McCutchen’s Return to Pittsburgh

Andrew McCutchen did not know how he was going to feel when he stepped into the box at PNC Park in Pittsburgh for the first time as a member of the San Francisco Giants.

And yet, the Pittsburgh Pirates fans reminded him right away just how much they missed him with a long standing ovation before his first at bat.

For a man who named his son Steele, this was a city that clearly left a mark on the former Most Valuable Player.

McCutchen spent the first nine years of his career in the Steel City, leading the Pirates to three straight playoff appearances from 2013-2015.

More from Around the Foghorn

• SF Giants: Reliever Reyes Moronta clears outright waivers
• SF Giants sign veteran 1B John Nogowski to minor league deal
• SF Giants call on veteran LHP Scott Kazmir for big start against Padres
• SF Giants: Update on Alex Dickerson’s rehab assignment
• Atlanta claims SF Giants C Chadwick Tromp off waivers

McCutchen did double in his return, but there wasn’t much else to cheer about in a blowout win for the Pirates.

McCutchen has already had some huge moments as a Giant, but much like the inconsistencies of the Giants so far this season, McCutchen has yet to really get it going in 2018.

Considering the long history the Giants have of winning trades and taking great players from the Pirates, it’s doubtful anyone in Pittsburgh feels bad for San Francisco.

Former Giant, Kyle Crick, faced McCutchen, who was part of the trade that made him a Giant in the first place.

Fansided’s Pirates site Rum Bunter had some fun with the result:

Between Barry Bonds, Jason Schmidt, Ryan Vogelsong and others, it is clear that the Giants owed the Pirates some return.

Next: Giants Offensive Revitalization

Meanwhile, McCutchen was asked before the game about how he might feel returning to the only home he had ever known:

"“If I cry, I cry. Big whoop. You’re supposed to. If I don’t, I don’t. I want to just soak it in and appreciate it and appreciate the people and the fans around me and all that.”"

Pittsburgh announced a crowd of 34,720, which was the largest crowd at a game this season. Clearly, Pittsburgh loves Cutch.