KANSAS CITY -- While much of the focus the last couple of days has been on a nucleus of Giants players who earned championship rings at Kauffman Stadium in 2014, right-hander Johnny Cueto has a different jewelry story to tell with a Kansas City connection.
The Giants' two-game series at Kauffman marked Cueto's first trip back since he was part of the Royals' 2015 World Championship club. But Cueto didn't pitch in the Kansas City series. His next turn in the Giants' rotation will come Friday in Colorado.
"It's great memories to come back, and to know I was part of the World Series," Cueto said through interpreter Erwin Higueros.
The Royals acquired Cueto from Cincinnati near the '15 non-waiver Trade Deadline, with Cueto closing in on free agency. Cueto wasn't at his best over the remainder of that regular season, but his presence paid off in the playoffs and World Series. The highlight was Cueto's decisive Game 5 win over Houston in the Division Series, when he went eight innings and allowed just two runs in a 7-2 Royals win.
Cueto then threw a complete-game two-hitter in a 7-1 World Series win over the Mets as Kansas City prevailed in five games. The Royals' organization made a trip to San Francisco early last year to present Cueto with his championship ring.
"I was very happy to get the World Series ring," Cueto said. "It was my first one. When I put it on my finger, it was very emotional to have that ring. I wear it sometimes, but it's in San Francisco."
Now, Cueto would like nothing more than to earn another championship ring wearing Giants' colors while the organization shoots for its fourth since 2010.
Cueto is doing his part with a 3-0 record and 3.79 ERA heading into Friday's start.
"I feel very pleased with what I have done and especially the support of my teammates," Cueto said.