Giants' Cueto admits he's in pain on every pitch
After battling through four innings against the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday in an eventual 7-1 loss, San Francisco Giants right-hander Johnny Cueto admitted he isn't well.
The 32-year-old was activated from the 60-day disabled list at the beginning of July because of a sprained right elbow. He had a tough time getting loose before Saturday's start, in which he gave up four runs, and told reporters afterward that his elbow hurts with every pitch.
"I keep telling you guys and keep telling myself I'm fine, but in reality I'm not," Cueto said, according to Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area.
Before coming back to the Giants in July, Cueto received multiple opinions on his elbow, including one from renowned surgeon Dr. James Andrews. He'll meet with doctors again Sunday, according to Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic.
"I want to be a warrior and help the team," Cueto explained before acknowledging he isn't doing his team any favors by pitching in his current condition.
Bruce Bochy on Johnny Cueto: “I’ve got to be honest, sure, there’s concern there.” Had trouble getting loose. Next start very much in doubt.
— Andrew Baggarly (@extrabaggs) July 29, 2018
Losing Cueto would be a tremendous blow to the Giants' playoff hopes as they try to remain competitive in the tough NL West.
They're currently 7 1/2 games back of the Los Angeles Dodgers and six games out of a wild-card spot.
Cueto, a two-time All-Star and winner of 125 career games, has only made nine starts for the Giants this season. He's under contract through 2021 and will make nearly $22 million per season until his deal expires.