GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Johnny Cueto says he’s fully recovered from the injury that scuttled his playoffs after only eight pitches.
The right-hander pulled muscles in his right side during the first game of the Cincinnati Reds’ playoff series against the San Francisco Giants. He left the game in the first inning and never got back on a mound because of the injury, the first to a Reds starter all season.
The 19-game winner took time off after the season and says he’s fine. He would like to pitch for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, but isn’t listed on the preliminary roster.
Manager Dusty Baker would be happy if Cueto skips the WBC. He’d like the team’s ace to get into shape slowly.
