© Neville E. Guard | 2021 Aug 31
The Giants have been unsure, but cautiously optimistic, about whether starter Johnny Cueto will pitch again in 2021.
But before Sunday’s series finale against the Atlanta Braves, manager Gabe Kapler provided the most encouraging update yet: Cueto is slated to throw a bullpen Monday and could make a rehab start in Sacramento as soon as this upcoming week.
“Obviously nothing definitive there, lots of possibilities to move this schedule around, but the bullpen is a really good signal that he’s getting where he needs to be,” Kapler said.
Kapler previously pegged Sept. 27 or 28 as days Cueto could throw live batting practice. A bullpen tomorrow is a major step toward a return to big league action.
Cueto, 35, has been out with a right hamstring injury since Sept. 1. He resumed throwing this week, starting at 60 feet and extending out to 90 feet in the outfield.
Kapler had been noncommittal about Cueto’s potential return, but has also said that if you tell Cueto he can’t do something, that only motivates him more.
The veteran righty is 7-7 with a 4.09 ERA this season. He last pitched against the Brewers, when he lasted 3.2 innings and allowed six runs while getting over flu-like symptoms.
Cueto is the oldest and most experienced pitcher on SF’s staff. He’s pitched in seven postseason series, including the 2015 World Series with Kansas City, and has posted a 4.54 ERA in eight starts.
“Obviously the healthier our regular starting pitchers are, the better. Johnny’s veteran leadership would be welcome and meaningful for us.”