Cueto begins soft tossing from longer distances

CINCINNATI -- It was a small step but a key one on Monday for injured Reds ace Johnny Cueto. Cueto began throwing and was soft tossing from distances of up to 75 feet.

"It went good. I'm happy," Cueto said afterwards at his locker.

Cueto, who went on the 15-day disabled list on April 15 with a strained right lat muscle, is expected to throw again on Tuesday.

"I just wanted to make sure that we calmed everything down and did strengthening," head trainer Paul Lessard said. "Now we'll start throwing as well as an exercise program to keep him strong."

Cueto is eligible to be activated from the DL on April 29. Currently, no date has been set for having him pitch off the mound in the bullpen.