Royals didn't invite Cueto to White House
San Francisco Giants right-hander Johnny Cueto has had a rough month at the expense of his former team, and he hasn't even played against them.
One week after ex-teammates Eric Hosmer and Salvador Perez homered off him to help the American League win at the All-Star Game, the Kansas City Royals didn't invite Cueto to their White House visit Thursday, despite his brilliant Game 2 shutout in last year's World Series.
Acquired from the Cincinnati Reds last summer, Cueto pitched to mixed results over 13 regular-season starts with the Royals, but pitched effectively during a pair of postseason outings to help Kansas City snap its 30-year title drought.
Cueto was eager to make the trip to Washington on Thursday with the Giants enjoying an off day on the East Coast but the Royals opted only to invite players currently on the team.
The Royals have faced criticism in recent days over their presidential guest list, after snubbing their championship cheerleader Jonny Gomes and one of their longtime radio engineers.
When asked about not extending an invite to Gomes, general manager Dayton Moore told Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports that only players who were with the team for the entire season or members of the postseason roster would be eligible for the trip.
While Gomes didn't meet either criteria, Cueto did pitch in the playoffs.