© D. Ross Cameron | USA Today
SAN DIEGO – Johnny Cueto’s season is likely over. Despite a strong March and April to open the season, he has struggled with pain in his right elbow for much of the year. That pain culminated, finally, with Cueto being sent to the disabled list for the third time this season on Monday, following a four-inning start on Saturday.
Following Cueto’s assignment to the disabled list before Monday’s game against the San Diego Padres, manager Bruce Bochy gave an update on Cueto’s long-term status, saying that there is a “strong possibility” Cueto will get Tommy John surgery.
After Cueto’s last outing, he said, “Every time I throw a pitch, it bothers me.”
Cueto signed a six-year, $130 million contract with the Giants in 2016 and has struggled with injuries after a good first year with the team in which he made his second All-Star team.
In other injury news, Pablo Sandoval will also head to the 10-day disabled list with a right hamstring strain, leaving the Giants shorthanded at first base while Brandon Belt – also on the 10-day disabled list– nurses a bone bruise in his knee. It is likely Austin Slater, who has played at first base twice since Belt went down, will get time there while Sandoval and Belt are out.
In more positive news for the Giants, Joe Panik has been activated for the first time since heading to the 10-day disabled list July 7 with a left groin strain. By moving Sandoval and Cueto to the disabled list, another roster spot opened up for the team, allowing Kelby Tomlinson to be called back to the majors.