UPDATE: Pirates' Andrew McCutchen back in the lineup tonight

Reigning National League MVP Andrew McCutchen left last night's game against the Milwaukee Brewers in the eighth inning with an apparent ankle injury.  McCutchen was removed for safety precautions and sent for x-rays.  Rob Biertempfel of TribLive has the update:

"McCutchen walked through the clubhouse without an apparent limp but did not stop to talk to reporters. An initial diagnosis and X-ray results were not immediately available."

Here we are, fifteen hours later, and the Pirates have still not disclosed the results of his x-rays.  More than likely he's alright but until the Pirates or someone in the media reports him to be OK, speculation will continue to be rampant.  He was replaced in center field by Josh Harrison.

UPDATE (3:50pm): X-Ray results have not become public but McCutchen is back in the lineup tonight for the Pirates.

McCutchen has had a forgettable start to the season, hitting just .194 through thirty-six at-bats.  He is without a home run and stole his first two bases of the season last night.  The batting order for tonight's tilt in Milwaukee has not been released as of yet so it is unknown if he'll need any time off.

Stay tuned to Sports Injury Alert for future updates on the star outfielder.

Follow Paul F on Twitter Follow @backseatslugger