Pirates OF McCutchen ready to play

PITTSBURGH (AP) Pirates star Andrew McCutchen expects to come off the disabled list when he is eligible to return on Tuesday.

McCutchen pronounced himself ''good to go'' after taking live batting practice Monday. The reigning NL MVP is batting .311 with 17 homers and 67 RBIs in 109 games.

McCutchen, who has been out with a rib injury, wore padding on his torso while facing a Pirates farmhand at PNC Park before Monday's game against Atlanta.

McCutchen says the BP session was ''basically reassurance there that I can go out face some live pitching, get my swing ready for the games.''

McCutchen experienced sharp pain while taking a swing in an Aug. 3 loss at Arizona. He was placed on the DL on Aug. 11 after not playing for a week.