The Chicago White Sox are close to having an important depth piece ready and available to start MLB games.
Starting pitcher Johnny Cueto, an experienced hurler who recently signed a minor league deal on the south side, is getting closer to reaching tip-top shape.
“Sounds like the Johnny Cueto show is getting closer to showing up on the S Side of Chicago. He has his third Triple-A start coming up this week: Tony La Russa: ‘We’re looking for his help sooner than later. Its been impressive so far. He can help us’,” Jesse Rogers of ESPN tweeted on Monday.
Sounds like the Johnny Cueto show is getting closer to showing up on the S Side of Chicago. He has his third Triple-A start coming up this week:
Tony La Russa: "We're looking for his help sooner than later. Its been impressive so far. He can help us."
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) May 2, 2022
Cueto is scheduled to take the ball for Triple-A Charlotte on Tuesday.
After that outing, he should have a final tune-up start at Charlotte over the weekend.
He Should Be Ready To Join The Rotation Next Week
That would put him on pace to join the White Sox’s starting rotation next week.
Cueto has been impressive in his minor league stint.
So far, he has conceded only three runs with an 8/2 K/BB ratio over 6.2 innings in two minor league outings.
The White Sox clearly value his playoff experience, as he has played in multiple World Series.
The 36-year-old made 21 starts with the San Francisco Giants last year.
He was able to pitch 114.2 innings, compiling a 7-7 record with a solid 4.08 ERA, 98 strikeouts, and a 1.37 WHIP.
The White Sox need all the help they can get at the moment.
They are, surprisingly, third in the AL Central division to start the year, with a mediocre 8-13 record.
They have suffered several key injuries, including starter Lance Lynn and, most recently, left fielder Eloy Jimenez.
They hope Cueto can give the rotation a much-needed boost.
NEXT: White Sox Veteran Not Concerned About Team's Slow Start