Back on March 11th, Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto was limited to two innings in a Spring Training game due to tightness in his forearm. He was shut down for a few days and examined by the medical staff, but he resumed throwing shortly thereafter and was scheduled to make another start on Saturday, the 19th.
Johnny Cueto Sidelined With Forearm Injury
However, Cueto lasted just one inning in his Saturday start and was promptly scheduled to see a doctor, as he was again dealing with that same forearm tightness.
For the Reds’ part, they aren’t overly concerned. As John Fay writes:
“It was a tiny spot,” [pitching coach] Price said. “This time of year you want to be ultraconservative.”
...
Said Price: “I think everyone is optimistic. We don’t think it’s a serious injury. But it’s enough of a concern that we’re not going to try to force him to throw through it. If it was the playoffs, I don’t think he would have said anything about it at all.”
While team officials aren’t expressing much worry, though, the trouble is that forearm tightness has in the past been a precursor to ligament damage and Tommy John surgery. So this is a situation the team will have to monitor carefully.
Cueto will be checked out by team medical director Tim Kremchek on Monday. If he's all right, he'll be put on a schedule to return. If something is awry, Mike Leake should begin the season as the team's fifth starter.
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