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?"