The Giants are headed to the postseason for the fourth time in seven years after winning a National League Wild Card. As this will be the first time that many fans across the Majors will be focusing on their roster, here's our attempt to learn the origins of hurler Johnny Cueto.
Johnny Cueto, RHP
Born: San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic
DOB: 2/15/86
Minors: Reds (Rookie), Dayton (Class A), Sarasota (Class A Advanced), Chattanooga (Double-A), Louisville (Triple-A)
:: Before they were Postseason-bound: Select a player ::
Path to San Francisco: Cueto was signed by the Reds as an International free agent in 2004; traded with cash in 2015 to the Royals for Brandon Finnegan, John Lamb and Cody Reed; signed with the Giants in free agency in 2015.
Trophy case: World Series champion (2015), two-time All-Star (2014, 2016).
Famous feat(s): Cueto led the National League in innings (243 2/3) and strikeouts (242) in 2014, going 20-9 with a 2.25 ERA for the Reds.
You might not know: Cueto tossed a four-hit shutout in his home debut with the Royals last August, becoming the first pitcher to toss a shutout in both leagues in the same season since Cliff Lee did it in 2009, with the Phillies and Indians.
Six degrees of Willie Aikens: Cueto played for the Dominican Republic national team in the 2009 World Baseball Classic alongside MLB stars such as Pedro Martinez, David Ortiz, Robinson Canó, José Bautista and Hanley Ramirez.
First impression: Cueto enjoyed a stellar big league debut on April 3, 2008, against the D-backs. He was perfect through five innings and became the first pitcher to total 10 strikeouts and no walks in his debut.
Home sweet home: Cueto still lives in San Pedro de Macoris, not far from his childhood home. He owns a farm outside the city where he has horses, cows, goats and a few dozen chickens.