LOS ANGELES -- Johnny Cueto will complete his long road back from Tommy John surgery on Tuesday, when he is scheduled to make his 2019 debut against the Pirates at Oracle Park.

The Giants had hoped Cueto would be able to rejoin their rotation against the Dodgers this weekend, but a bout of back tightness delayed his return. Cueto threw a bullpen session at Dodger Stadium on Saturday and said his back felt better, giving the Giants the confidence to clear him for his first Major League start since July 28, 2018.

Cueto spent the bulk of the season rehabbing his elbow at the Giants’ complex in Scottsdale, Ariz., and logged a 3.38 ERA over 21 1/3 innings in six Minor League starts across three levels. The 33-year-old veteran returned to the Giants in peak physical condition, as he embraced a healthier diet to avoid gaining weight during his arduous 13-month recovery and dropped approximately 20 pounds.

“I feel like I’m 19 years old,” Cueto said.

Cueto hopes to stay healthy over the final three weeks of the regular season and ease his way back into action after missing significant time with his elbow injury.

“For me, this is like Spring Training,” Cueto said. “I’ve got to make sure I execute my pitches and everything is right.”