SAN FRANCISCO — The Giants have dealt with a slew of injured players this season and former All-Star Johnny Cueto is no exception. San Francisco has been without the services of one of their best pitchers since July 15, when Cueto initially went on the disabled list due to pain stemming from blisters on his pitching hand.
In his first rehab start in the minors, Cueto pitched just three innings Tuesday before leaving the game after feeling discomfort in his throwing arm. Cueto has a brief injury history and the Giants received some good news Tuesday when they discovered that the right-hander was dealing with just a mild flexor strain, as opposed to any serious ligament damage.
Cueto said that he might have tried to push himself to come back if the Giants were in a position to contend for a playoff spot but with that possibility out the window, there is little reason to rush back.
“I’m going to take my time I’m not going to rush myself this time,” Cueto said. “I’m getting tired of being on the DL, so I just want to make sure when I come back that I’m healthy.”
When Cueto initially felt the injury in his arm, he was concerned that it was something far more serious than just a minor sprain.
“Of course I got scared,” Cueto said. “I felt a pinch and the first thing I thought was ‘Oh my god, am I going to have Tommy John [surgery] here?’”
Cueto’s recent injuries likely put a lid on any possibility of the Giants trading him and now, the four years and $84 million remaining on his contract looms over the front office as he may finish the season with his worst ERA since his rookie year. Considering his injury status, it appears increasingly likely Cueto will opt in to the remainder of his contract this offseason instead of exercising his opt-out clause, because it’s doubtful he would command more on the open market.