In today's home opener, Andrew McCutchen made his first start in right field since last June and, as he put it, it was "like riding a bike." 

McCutchen, who has over 1,600 innings of experience at the position, was tasked with starting out there with Bryan Reynolds (right triceps soreness) limited to designated hitter duties. And he didn't disappoint with this running catch to put an end to a three-run fourth inning for the Yankees:

Not only did McCutchen rob Ben Rice of potential extra bases, but he also might have saved three runs from scoring on the play. 

"Some things you may lose physically, but when it comes to playing the outfield, I feel I can still do it," McCutchen said. "I may not be able to do it as much as I used to, but when given the opportunity, I know I can play a good enough outfield where I know I’m not hurting the team.”

McCutchen said a conversation regarding his availability to play in the outfield wasn't necessary. He's wanted to be out there in that position, especially given Reynolds' injury situation.

"I don’t want to feel like I’m just sitting here collecting a paycheck and not being able to do anything for the team. I knew what I needed to do," he said. "I obviously know I didn’t play any outfield during spring training because these are the things that are hard to prepare for. I’ve been in the outfield during batting practice running some balls down, making sure I’m keeping my arm fresh just in case so when that opportunity came, I was ready to go.”

With Reynolds in the lineup at the DH spot, McCutchen had just one at-bat against the Rays in Tampa. His return to the lineup coincided with a good day at the plate, as he went 3 for 4 with all of his singles coming against Yankees starter Max Fried.

“He’s a good pitcher and he utilized all of his pitches very well, locates them. Just try to be a ballplayer and get something to hit. Once you get it, don’t miss it," McCutchen said. "I was able to string together a few good at bats, took a couple of good swings and got lucky with one. It was an all-around good day for me at the plate.”

Here's McCutchen's full media availability: 

• Despite the fact that he's currently battling the triceps issue, Reynolds is still contributing offensively. He hit his first home run of the season today, sending a solo shot to left off Fried in the third inning. Reynolds entered this game having hit safely in seven of nine career games against the Yankees, hitting .394 (13 for 33) with four home runs and a 1.292 OPS. 

• Tommy Pham exited today's game prior to the start of the third inning due to an illness and Derek Shelton said he did not report anything before the game. Pham was in the clubhouse coughing after the game and did indeed appear to be sick. 

"As the day went on, as the game started, he started to not feel good. He took the at-bat, then I think during the at-bat, we saw he was not in a good spot," Shelton said. "We got him out. No update on him other than he was sick." 

• Marc Fogel, the Butler County native who spent three and a half years in a Russian prison for attempting to enter Russia with a small amount of medical cannibis, threw out the ceremonial first pitch to Paul Skenes prior to today's home opener. 

Fogel, who was sentenced to 14 years in prison in 2022, was detained by Russian authorities in 2021 before being freed in February.

“I was surprised and excited when Bob (Nutting) called with the invitation to throw today’s first pitch,” Fogel said. “As a diehard Pirates fan, being on the field today is an amazing opportunity. I’m grateful to him, and the whole Pirates community, for a wonderful welcome home.”