Cueto on the comeback trail in Arizona League
Righty extends scoreless streak in rehab, on track for Sept. return
SAN FRANCISCO -- The Giants continue to get good news on Johnny Cueto, who tossed two scoreless innings in his second rehab start with the Arizona League Giants on Friday.
Cueto, who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, allowed two hits, struck out two and did not walk a batter in the efficient outing. Manager Bruce Bochy said Cueto threw 15 more pitches in the bullpen after completing his start to reach his prescribed pitch target.
“He threw the ball very well,” Bochy said Saturday. “He hit 92 [mph]. Really good outing.”
Cueto struck out seven over four scoreless innings in his first two rehab appearances in the Arizona League. He is expected to throw approximately 40 pitches in his next start, which will come with Class A Advanced San Jose next week. The 33-year-old veteran right-hander remains on track to return to the Giants’ rotation in September.
“He’s just a complete pitcher,” Bochy said. “For him to be where he’s at, with his velocity at 92 [mph], it’s pretty impressive, because that’s only going to climb as he builds strength there in the arm.”