© Jeff Hanisch | 2021 Aug 8
The Giants’ starting rotation is set to get a boost as soon as next week.
Johnny Cueto, who’s been on the injured list since Aug. 9 with a flexor strain, threw a bullpen in the Dominican Republic Friday, manager Gabe Kapler told reporters before Saturday’s game. Cueto is in the DR because his mother-in-law passed.
Kapler said Cueto “looked good” from the video of the bullpen session he saw. He’s likely to return for the Mets series beginning next Tuesday.
Cueto, 35, has registered a 3.89 ERA in 2021 — his sixth season as a Giant. He’s registered eight strikeouts per nine innings, better than his career average of 7.6.
Elsewhere on the San Francisco staff, Anthony DeSclafani appears on track to make his next start. He played catch Saturday and will throw a bullpen Sunday, Kapler said. DeSclafani most recently exited Thursday’s start in the second inning with right ankle discomfort.
Kapler said Friday that he doesn’t anticipate DeSclafani pushing back his next scheduled start during the upcoming Mets series, but wouldn’t rule it out. Kapler described his status as day-to-day, and not much has changed since that.
“Chatted with him yesterday after the game. Moving around okay, but nothing new to report there.”
Pregame notes:
- Evan Longoria’s MRI showed no structural damage in his finger. He hasn’t appeared in a game since he was hit by a pitch during Thursday night’s game. Longoria isn’t in the lineup, but could be available off the bench.
- Buster Posey is the designated hitter for Game 2, and the Giants are treating it as essentially his scheduled rest day. If he’s feeling good after today’s game he’ll catch in the series finale Sunday, Kapler said.”It’s nice to have one of our best right-handed bats for three important games,” Kapler said. “DH just presents the opportunity to get him in the lineup for all three games, which we haven’t been able to do very often.”