Cincinnati Reds might bring Mike Leake as replacement for Johnny Cueto – NLDS Update
After revelation on Tuesday, October 9, that Cincinnati Reds’ Johnny Cueto’s return is uncertain with the right oblique diagnosis. The club has started looking for possible replacement and Mike Leake is one name that has popped up at this point in time.
Johnny Cueto had to exit in the very first inning of National League Division Series Game 1 against the San Francisco Giants after back spasms. Initially, it did not seem a particularly worrying development because it was on the throwing side, implying it was only a spasm.
However, the subsequent MRI revealed it was actually oblique strain, forcing the team to weigh other names for the possible replacement of Cueto. The Reds were and are hesitant so far to replace Cueto because according to MLB rules Cueto would not be able to play in the NLCS after replacement in NLDS.
It was here that manager Dusty Baker said the club was trying not to replace him.
"We're trying not to," Baker said when asked about the replacement. "We're seeing if we can avoid doing that. He wouldn't be available the next series. But if it's unavoidable, then that's something different. We're weighing our options."
For now, the Reds have decided to bring Mat Latos for the Game 4 against the Giants, the team that made return in NLDS after winning the Game 3 on Tuesday, avoiding a series sweep. Since upcoming games require an experienced hand in the rotation, Latos seemed a good choice.
The Reds, nonetheless, will have the final say from Cueto himself if he feels he can pitch after the issue that he has encountered.
"We've got to talk about it and see how Johnny is," Baker said. "A lot of guys here would be on less than full rest. We hope we don't have to talk about it at all."
The Reds focus for now is advancing into National League Championship Series. Rotation will undeniably have a big role to play in that. That reason if factoring into the decision making for the Reds.
It will have to be seen what the Reds eventually decide as far as replacement is concerned for the remainder of games.
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