The Pittsburgh Pirates hit Andrew McCutchen second on Thursday, a move that could have some staying power.

McCutchen had the second-most at-bats in the league last season with two outs and nobody on base.

"I didn't know it was that high," McCutchen said, "but I guess it kind of makes sense -- me hitting how I've hit the last couple years, and I still can't get 100 RBI."

McCutchen hasn't hit as anything other than a No. 3 or 4 hitter since 2011.

"I told Andrew the challenge for me is for 47 years, the baddest dude in the game hits third," Clint Hurdle said. "I've got to rearrange my thinking on it and what's best for our team. How do we maximize our run production?"

Daniel Bard is attempting a Major League comeback four years after he attempted to make it as a starting pitcher with the Boston Red Sox.

Bard, who was successful as a reliever, struggled with his control in the rotation. He was ultimately diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome in 2013.

"The nerves in my hand weren't telling my brain where my arm was," he explained.

Since the Red Sox cut ties, Bard has pitched for the Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers, but never above A-ball.

He is in Minor League camp with the Pittsburgh Pirates this spring.

"I have a ton of memories from my time here," Bard said of the Red Sox. "It seems enough removed where it doesn’t seem weird to be here or anything. There are probably more of you [reporters] that are the same than players, coaches, or any front office guys. The jersey is the same but it’s a way different place, I think, than when I left a few years ago."

Veteran infielder David Freese and the Pirates have agreed to a one-year deal for $3 million, the team announced Friday.

The 32-year-old Freese, an All-Star with the Cardinals in 2012, hit .257 with 27 doubles, 14 homers and 56 RBI last year with the Angels.

The Baltimore Orioles have agreed to a one-year, $5.75 million contract with Pedro Alvarez, according to sources.

Alvarez is expected to serve as Baltimore's designated hitter after committing a Major League-high 23 errors in his first full season at first base for the Pittsburgh Pirates last year.

The Pirates elected not to tender Alvarez, who also made $5.75 million in 2015, a contract.