Cincinnati Reds’ Johnny Cueto diagnosed with right oblique strain, return uncertain – NLDS News
Cincinnati Reds are now uncertain about the return of starter Johnny Cueto after he was diagnosed with mild right oblique strain. Cueto, who had back spasms in Game 1 of the National League Division Series and had to exit in the very first inning. He was expected to make an early return, but the diagnosis has put that possibility in jeopardy now.
Cueto had a problem in the throwing side. The fact that oblique injuries are usually on the non-throwing side made many believe that it might well be back spasms. However, the diagnosis has suggested otherwise, prompting the team to look for other options if Cueto’s return is unlikely now.
"They said he's getting better, but we don't know what better is," Reds' manager Dusty Baker said. "That's a volatile area. You've seen the obliques, sometimes they hang around for a while, and sometimes they don't hang around for a while. We don't know the severity of it. He came in [Monday] and got treatment all day long, so right now I would just be guessing to let you know how he is exactly right now. In a nutshell, we don't know. "
Cueto had come across as one of the likely contenders for the Cy Young Award, thanks to his exceptionally great performance throughout the regular season. With 19-9 record in 33 starts, he had 2.78 ERA, being one of the consistency-personified starter in the National League.
Cueto’s presence on the mound in the NLDS was a reassuring factor for the Reds. However, with the issue that arose in Game 1 and the subsequent diagnosis, the Reds seem in a great deal of trouble as far as their rotation is concerned.
For now, if the uncertainty over his return deepens, it is Mat Latos that the Reds shall bring in Game 4. If the Reds decide to replace Cueto, it is Mike Leake, the non-roster pitcher, who the Reds will bring as replacement.
The Reds were anticipating NLDS sweep here against the San Francisco Giants after 2-0 record in first two games. However, San Francisco Giants are back in the series now with victory on Tuesday.
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