Cueto expected back in rotation next week

Published 1:53 am Thursday, May 16, 2013

MIAMI (AP) — Cincinnati Reds ace Johnny Cueto is on target to rejoin the rotation next week after making his second injury rehabilitation start.

The right-hander has been on the disabled list since April 15 because of a strained muscle in his upper right arm. Barring a setback, he’ll likely start one of the Reds’ games early next week against the New York Mets, manager Dusty Baker said Wednesday.

“It would be a big boost to get him back,” Baker said. “He’s one of the best in the league.”

Email newsletter signup

Cueto pitched five shutout innings Tuesday for Class-A Dayton against West Michigan and earned the victory. He threw 58 pitches, walked none and allowed three hits.