Giants somewhat concerned about Johnny Cueto’s blister
Giants somewhat concerned about Johnny Cueto’s blister
Take Johnny Cueto, who has a 4.86 ERA after beating the Dodgers on Monday night.
Manager Bruce Bochy revealed that Cueto continues to be bothered by a blister on the middle finger of his pitching hand, which developed during a Bay Bridge Series exhibition against Oakland on March 30.
Cueto said the blister has made it difficult to throw some pitches.
Though he did not elaborate, breaking pitches usually are the worst because of the pressure they put on that finger.
Cueto also said after Monday night’s 4-3 victory against the Dodgers that he does not plan to miss an inning as a result.
Bochy said the team has to be a little concerned because the blister will not heal, but not enough to begin discussions with general manager Bobby Evans about a replacement if Cueto cannot take his turn in Cincinnati on Sunday.
Cueto blamed himself, not the blister, for allowing single runs in the first and second innings, the second one on an RBI single by pitcher Clayton Kershaw with two outs.
“I gave myself a pep talk,” said Cueto, who retired 13 in a row after the Kershaw hit.
Closer Mark Melancon was available to pitch Tuesday after he was off limits for the second time in three nights Monday because he had pitched in four of the previous five games.
On Tuesday, the Giants recalled Josh Osich from Triple-A Sacramento to put a second lefty in the bullpen and “help out” Okert.
Long man Chris Stratton was optioned.
Henry Schulman is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer.
Giants rookie Christian Arroyo is one of nine players who have three hits in six or fewer at-bats against the Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw.