SAN FRANCISCO -- Judging from the way Johnny Cueto shimmied and sashayed through his deliveries during a two-inning simulated game Monday, the right-hander looked as if he never needed to go on the disabled list.
Indeed, Cueto was convinced he won't have to spend much more time on the DL nursing his inflamed right elbow. Cueto reiterated his estimate of starting a pair of Minor League injury rehabilitation games before rejoining the Giants' rotation.
"I felt really good," Cueto said through interpreter Erwin Higueros after throwing approximately 20 pitches to utility man Alen Hanson and outfielder Hunter Pence. "I'm very happy."
Depending on how he feels Tuesday, Cueto might throw one more simulated game before proceeding to Minor League action.
• As expected, the Giants recalled utility man Kelby Tomlinson from Triple-A Sacramento to fill in for shortstop Brandon Crawford, who went on paternity leave. Crawford's wife, Jalynne, was due to give birth to the couple's fourth child, a boy. Crawford is expected to rejoin the Giants on Wednesday night.