Pirates’ Andrew McCutchen expects to play Tuesday

Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen expects to come off the disabled list when he is eligible to return Tuesday.

McCutchen pronounced himself “good to go” after taking live batting practice Monday. The reigning National League most valuable player is batting .311 with 17 home runs and 67 runs batted in.

McCutchen, who has been out because of a rib injury, wore padding on his torso while facing a Pirates farmhand at PNC Park before the Pirates’ game against Atlanta.

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

Nationals sign Nate Schierholtz to minor league deal

The Washington Nationals have agreed to a minor league deal with Nate Schierholtz and assigned the veteran outfielder to triple-A Syracuse.

Schierholtz, 30, is a .254 career hitter with 51 home runs and 224 RBIs in 776 games. Last season with the Chicago Cubs, he hit .251 and established career highs in home runs (21), RBIs (68) and runs (56).

Schierholtz batted .192 with six home runs in 99 games with the Cubs this season before being designated for assignment Aug. 6.

Red Sox demote Jackie Bradley Jr., recall Mookie Betts

The Boston Red Sox optioned center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. to triple-A Pawtucket and recalled outfielder-infielder Mookie Betts.

Manager John Farrell said Bradley, 24, was sent down to work on changes in his swing. Bradley was hitting .216 with one home run and 30 RBIs in 112 games.

Betts, 21, a second baseman in the club’s system at the start of the season, is back in the majors for the third time this year. He moved to the outfield at Pawtucket.