© D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports
SAN DIEGO — Before wrapping up their four-game series against the San Diego Padres on Sunday afternoon, Bruce Bochy confirmed that Johnny Cueto will make his next start on Tuesday after he sprained his ankle early last week.
Short, but sweet news. #SFGiants pic.twitter.com/vmbXJOOCxv
— Keaton A. Moore (@KeatonAMoore) April 15, 2018
“Yeah, right now Johnny is good to go,” Bochy said.
Last Tuesday, it was reported that Cueto sprained his right ankle during a weekend workout. In his absence, Andrew Suarez made his major league debut against the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 11.
Bochy also detailed Jeff Samardzija’s rehab start at Class-A San Jose. Although he struggled with command, allowing a pair of walks, and gave up six runs in the first inning, Samardzija threw 62 pitches and showed encouraging signs.
Bochy details Samardzija’s rehab start. #SFGiants pic.twitter.com/UeJVCM7F65
— Keaton A. Moore (@KeatonAMoore) April 15, 2018
“First inning, his command, he walked a couple guys, was off and they made an error,” Bochy said. “Ended up giving up six runs, but he struck out the last five. His velocity was back to what it normally is, around 95. That was great news, how he finished up.”
There’s still no word on when Samardzija will return to the rotation, but Bochy suspects he’ll need another minor league start.
“Now, we haven’t decided what we’re going to do yet, but there’s a possibility he’ll make another start,” Bochy said. “It’s more likely he’ll make another start in the minor leagues.”