D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports
Logan Webb was set to start Sunday for a second time since Johnny Cueto went down, but it does not appear he is pitching for his rotation spot.
Cueto, who was originally believed to miss two starts before his return, will need more time, Gabe Kapler suggested Sunday. He doesn’t anticipate Cueto jumping back into the rotation the next time through, which would mean Webb would get the ball May 1 in San Diego, should the Giants remain on schedule.
Kapler did not “want to rule anything out,” but it sounds as if Cueto’s Grade 1 lat strain will keep him out through at least early May. He has not pitched since leaving a start early April 14 and had been dealing before he felt his lat pull. He has a 1.80 ERA in his 20 innings this season.
The Giants’ rotation has been remarkable all year, posting a 2.39 ERA that is the third best in the majors, though Webb has been the weak link and had been sent to the bullpen shortly before Cueto got hurt. He entered the start against Miami at Oracle Park with a 5.87 ERA in 15 1/3 innings.
Kapler has said he doesn’t think Cueto will need to build up in Sacramento before returning to the rotation.
Cueto is far from the Giants’ only injury concern.
Evan Longoria was out of the starting lineup for a third straight game with a tight hamstring, and Brandon Crawford for a second straight with right quad tightness. Crawford also missed time this week with a rib cage issue, though Kapler said the two ailments are not related.
“They’re both continuing to improve, still hoping to get them loose and warm and ready to come off the bench today,” Kapler said before the Giants finished a series with the Marlins. Kapler did not yet know if they would be available.
Wilmer Flores was back at third and Mauricio Dubon at shortstop, with Austin Slater playing center field. The full lineup:
1. Austin Slater, CF
2. Mike Yastrzemski, RF
3. Darin Ruf, LF
4. Brandon Belt, 1B
5. Wilmer Flores, 3B
6. Tommy La Stella, 2B
7. Curt Casali, C
8. Mauricio Dubon, SS
9. Logan Webb, P
It was surprising for a few reasons that Kapler went to Gregory Santos in the ninth inning of a tie game Saturday. While it was understandable Tyler Rogers and Jake McGee were not going to be touched for a third straight game, Santos being chosen over Camilo Doval, who had not pitched since Wednesday, was curious.
Kapler said Doval, who had pitched three games in four days before being laid off for at least three days, is fine.
“Thought Santos was a good option and Doval was a good option,” the manager said.