Cody Glenn-USA TODAY Sports
Four months later, there is so much different about the country and world.
But after the Giants originally tabbed Johnny Cueto to be their Opening Day starter on March 11, that decision has not changed.
Gabe Kapler announced, again, that Cueto would get the nod July 23 in Los Angeles, matching up with Clayton Kershaw to begin a season that will be unlike any other.
Cueto threw three innings in Tuesday’s intrasquad scrimmage, rising over 60 pitches and holding on to the job he won this spring. He was not particularly effective in the exhibition, allowing five hits and two runs while striking out three, but Cueto’s resume will carry more weight.
“Johnny looked good, executed all his pitches, stayed under control,” Kapler said over Zoom after telling Cueto he would get the ball.
Kershaw reportedly threw 91 pitches in a tune-up this week, and the Dodgers and Giants will handle their nine innings differently. It would be surprising if Cueto lasted five frames, and San Francisco will churn through all the relievers it can, from two- or three-inning pitchers to more traditional guys who can nail down one.
The Giants are not sure if Brandon Belt will be behind Cueto a week from Thursday.
The first baseman, who had sat since last week with a sore heel, shed his walking boot and took some swings in the cage Tuesday, but Kapler said he couldn’t speculate beyond Belt “could be” ready for Opening Day.
Against the lefty Kershaw, it might make more sense to put Wilmer Flores or Darin Ruf at first base, anyway.
The Giants are more optimistic about Tony Watson, who threw a live batting practice and “looked good,” Kapler said. The next step is for Watson to throw in a scrimmage.
“He’s progressing toward being ready for us in the opening series,” Kapler said.
Lefty Jarlin Garcia, who has not been around camp and has been on the injured list for “medical purposes” was at Oracle Park on Tuesday and is expected to be in camp Wednesday, Kapler said.
Without consent, the team cannot comment about any player who has tested positive for COVID-19. Kapler had no update about Billy Hamilton, who also has not been in camp.