On April 5, the Chicago White Sox announced the signing of right-handed pitcher Johnny Cueto to a minor-league deal.
He would make $4.2 million, prorated to the days he is on the major league roster.
He wasn’t ready to pitch at the time, though.
Now, there is some good news coming from the White Sox’s extended spring training.
“Chicago White Sox Johnny Cueto getting a couple innings of work yesterday vs Dodgers extended spring training, he’s headed to Charlotte today, expecting 1 or 2 appearances then join the big league club. He Says hes ready,” Univision’s Mike Rodriguez tweeted.
Chicago White Sox Johnny Cueto getting a couple innings of work yesterday vs Dodgers extended spring training, he's headed to Charlotte today, expecting 1 or 2 appearances then join the big league club. He Says hes ready ✍🏽 pic.twitter.com/ESFVCmrdtZ
— Mike Rodriguez | Univision 🍥 (@mikedeportes) April 19, 2022
About a week ago, Cueto was throwing at the White Sox’s spring training facility in Arizona and was close to progressing to facing live hitters.
Now that he reached that stage in his ramp up process, we could see him in the majors soon.
Filling In For Lynn
Cueto is expected to fill in for injured starter and Cy Young candidate Lance Lynn.
Lynn injured his knee and will be out for several more weeks, if not months.
Cueto will likely throw several live batting practice sessions before he embarks on a minor league assignment.
If all goes well for the White Sox, he could be in the rotation by early May to help the Pale Hose fight with the Cleveland Guardians, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, and Kansas City Royals for the division.
Chicago is favored, though, and is expected to be an important contender.
The quality depth that a guy like Cueto can contribute will likely be extremely useful.
He has pitched lots of postseason and even World Series games, and knows how to handle himself in big spots.
That’s something the White Sox will find enticing.
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