Earlier today, the Giants placed starter Johnny Cueto back on the 10-day disabled list with more elbow issues. Cueto missed over two months earlier this season, between late April and early July, with a sprained right elbow. Per Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area, manager Bruce Bochy said there is a “strong possibility” Cueto will need to undergo Tommy John surgery.
Surgery would end Cueto’s 2018 season, of course, and would almost certainly keep him out for all of 2019 as well. Cueto is under contract through at least 2021, earning $21 million annually. The Giants have a $22 million club option for 2022 with a $5 million buyout.
Cueto, 32, posted a 3.23 ERA with a 38/13 K/BB ratio in 53 innings across nine starts this season.
Cueto’s injury could prompt the 53-54 Giants to commit to selling ahead of tomorrow’s 4 PM ET non-waiver trade deadline. The Yankees, Phillies, and Indians have expressed interest in outfielder Andrew McCutchen, Jon Morosi reports. McCutchen, Hunter Pence, Nick Hundley, Derek Holland, and Will Smith are among the players who could be moved.