After he was hit by a pitch for the eighth time this season, and for the second time in as many games Saturday night, Pirates star Andrew McCutchen joked about what he might do in order to stop opposing pitchers from plunking him and his mates. Pirates batters have been hit a major-league leading 40 times coming into Sunday. And, by gum, the Bucs are tired of it.

Via the Associated Press:

"Maybe I need to dropkick a pitcher," McCutchen said. "Maybe that will scare them into not throwing at me."

Andrew McCutchen -- punter
Andrew McCutchen punts Julio Teheran in dream scenario. (EOB Illustration + Getty Images)

He's only joking, folks! Probably. The Bucs scored five times in the first inning after Braves right-hander Julio Teheran hit McCutchen in the left elbow with a 92 mph fastball. McCutchen was forced to leave the game, but X-rays were negative. Good break that it wasn't a bad break. McCutchen said he would consider wearing body armor similar to that of Barry Bonds back in the day, and this tweet says it's happening:


McCutchen said the team is upset to man about getting hit.

"I'm not the only one ticked off," McCutchen said. "We're all ticked off. It's not just me. It's anyone that gets hit and comes out of the game. That's something we don't like."

Over the length of his career, McCutchen is tied for 53rd among active players in hit by pitches with 48. So it's not that many, considering how many plate appearances he's racked up. Just tell that to his elbow!

Hopefully, Cutch appreciates the illustrated humor above of actually getting to punt Teheran. Alas, it's only a dream.