The Chicago White Sox purchased the contract of right-hander Johnny Cueto from Triple-A Charlotte on Monday and optioned infielder Danny Mendick to Charlotte in a corresponding move. Cueto is scheduled to start the series opener against the Kansas City Royals on Monday. The White Sox need some rotation help with Lance Lynn (knee) out until early June. The 36-year-old two-time All-Star didn't sign with the Pale Hose until April, so he needed some time in the minor leagues to get his arm stretched out. Cueto shouldn't be restricted from a pitch-count perspective, but he did have a 5.17 ERA and 1.21 WHIP while walking four and striking out 17 in 15 2/3 innings over four outings for Charlotte. Those in deep mixed and AL-only leagues might want to take a chance on Cueto, but don't expect too much.

The Chicago White Sox have signed veteran right-handed pitcher Johnny Cueto to a minor league deal. The deal will be worth $4.2 million if Cueto makes it to the majors. The 36-year-old also has a May 15 opt-out option on the contract. Cueto spent each of the last six years with the San Francisco Giants. Last season, he appeared in 22 games and went 7-7 with a 4.08 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP while averaging 7.7 K/9.

Free-agent starting pitcher Johnny Cueto's market is heating up, and he could sign with a team fairly quickly. At least half of the teams could use another starter with spring training games beginning late next week. Cueto once again struggled with injuries last season, and he ultimately finished with a 4.08 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 98 strikeouts and 30 walks in 114 2/3 innings over 22 outings (21 starts) for the San Francisco Giants. The two-time All-Star made just 25 starts in a three-year span from 2018-20 and had his $22 million team option for the 2022 season declined by the Giants. Cueto will land somewhere as a back-end starter, but he doesn't have a very high fantasy ceiling towards the end of his career.

The San Francisco Giants declined starting pitcher Johnny Cueto's $22 million option for the 2022 season on Friday, making him a free agent. Instead, the veteran right-hander will receive a $5 million buyout. As he nears the back end of his career, Cueto has become a back-of-the-rotation starter after missing most of the 2018 and 2019 seasons due to an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery. The 35-year-old has posted a 4.55 ERA and a 4.26 FIP in 178 innings since the beginning of last year, and he's striking out fewer hitters (20.1% strikeout rate). At this point, he's mostly attractive as an innings-eater to MLB clubs if he can stay healthy, and there just isn't a whole lot of fantasy upside left.

The San Francisco Giants announced their 26-man NLDS roster on Friday. Veteran starting pitcher Johnny Cueto wasn't included on the roster. The 35-year-old right-hander was sidelined for about a month with an elbow injury before being activated in the final week of the season. He made one appearance in the season's final week, pitching 2 1/3 relief innings and allowing three hits, one walk and one earned run while striking out three. If the Giants lose any of their starting pitchers or long relief options throughout the playoffs, there's a good chance Cueto would be added to the roster.

The San Francisco Giants activated starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (elbow) off the injured list prior to Thursday's 5-4 win over the Diamondbacks. Scott Kazmir started the game for the Giants but exited with a hamstring strain after recording just a single out. Cueto was called upon in the third inning for his first career relief appearance. He pitched 2 1/3 innings, allowing one run on three hits and a walk with three strikeouts. It was encouraging to see Cueto be able to make an impact immediately after returning from the IL. The veteran has had an OK season, compiling a 4.08 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 20% strikeout rate over 114 2/3 innings. He was a useful fantasy player at times, but his inconsistency capped his ceiling.

The San Francisco Giants activated outfielder/first baseman Darin Ruf (oblique) and starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (elbow) from the injured list on Thursday. Ruf is starting in left field and batting second in Thursday's game against Madison Bumgarner and the Arizona Diamondbacks. He should see a good amount of playing time over the last stretch of the season as the team is dealing with a number of injuries. Cueto, meanwhile, is expected to work in a relief role for the rest of the year and likely in the playoffs as well. The Giants also sent relief pitcher Tony Watson (shoulder) to the injured list on Thursday.

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Johnny Cueto(elbow) is coming along "really well" in his rehab and could be activated soon, manager Gabe Kapler said Tuesday. The veteran has been on the injured list since the end of August with a right elbow strain, but he had an encouraging rehab start for Triple-A Sacramento on Sep. 23. He has had a nice bounce-back season overall and would be a welcomed addition to the Giants playoff roster, going 7-7 with a 4.09 ERA and 1.36 WHIP over 21 starts. However, inconsistent performance and injuries have made Cueto a frustrating fantasy option this season.

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (elbow) is slated to make a rehab start at Triple-A Sacramento on Thursday. He is expected to throw about 35 pitches in the outing. The 35-year-old was placed on the injured list in early September due to elbow soreness. He's had an uneven season overall, going 7-7 with a 4.09 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP. Many of his underlying metrics suggest that he's been lucky to have the numbers he does so far. He has a 4.94 xERA on the year and his .275 xBA ranks in the bottom 9% of the league. He only has three quality starts over 21 starts on the year.

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (elbow) is not expected to resume throwing for at least 10 more days, manager Gabe Kapler told reporters on Wednesday. Kapler said he isn't ruling out a regular-season return for the 35-year-old right-hander, who was placed on the 10-day injured list last week with elbow soreness. However, Cueto has had a tough 2021 campaign between sustaining multiple injuries and seeing his ERA balloon to 4.09, so it's probably better for the Giants, and for fantasy managers, that the veteran pitcher takes as much time to recuperate as he needs.

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (elbow) has been placed on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday. This shouldn't come as a shock considering manager Gabe Kapler mentioned Cueto was dealing with elbow soreness last week. The hope is that Cueto won't need more than 10 days. However, Cueto has dealt with plenty of injuries throughout his career and the Giants aren't going to rush the veteran back on the mound. Cueto was lit up during his last start on Tuesday, so maybe some time off will help him get back into a groove.

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Johnny Cueto did not fare well in Tuesday's 6-2 loss to the Brewers. Cueto, who was placed on the injured list Monday with cold and flu-like symptoms, must have felt well enough to be reactivated, but the results were not good. He pitched 3 2/3 innings, allowing six runs on 10 hits (including a solo home run) and two walks with a strikeout. The veteran has had an up-and-down season and now owns a 7-7 record with a 4.09 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and 19.8% strikeout rate. Cueto's next matchup will likely be a tough one against the Dodgers at home. At this point in the fantasy season with so much on the line, Cueto should not be started for this matchup.

San Francisco Giants starting pitchers Alex Wood (COVID-19) and Johnny Cueto (undisclosed) were both placed on the injured list on Monday, per NBCSports.com's Alex Pavlovic. Wood was put on the IL on Monday after testing positive. Cueto was also feeling under the weather, but manager Gabe Kapler said he has been testing negative. Cueto was supposed to starts Monday's game against the Brewers but could be ready to pitch Tuesday if he feels better. Wood's timetable is not as certain. This is a blow to the Giants and to fantasy managers attempting to make the final push to the fantasy playoffs, but they should have time to pick up some streamers given that the news occurred early in the week. Fantasy managers should keep an eye out for news updates regarding both players.

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Johnny Cueto took a no-decision in Wednesday's 3-2 win over the Mets. Cueto pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowing one run (none earned) on five hits and three walks with two strikeouts. It was Cueto's first start since the beginning of August, as he was on the injured list dealing with a right flexor strain. The 35-year-old now has a 3.73 ERA through 20 starts on the season. His next matchup will be a tough one against the Brewers at home. While his season ERA is good, he has been inconsistent at times. As such, sitting him in this matchup wouldn't be a bad idea for fantasy managers who can afford it.

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (forearm) threw a little bit on Sunday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. He's expected to miss just one or two starts before returning. Cueto has had a bounce-back year for the Giants, posting a 7-6 record with a 3.89 ERA, 92 strikeouts, 24 walks, and 14 home runs allowed over 104 innings. Once he's back, he should continue helping fantasy managers in deeper leagues with a decent ERA, and while pitching on one of the best teams in baseball, he should generate enough wins as well.

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (forearm) landed on the injured list on Wednesday. While the veteran has had bouts of efficiency for fantasy managers throughout the year, his lack of consistency on the mound has been equally frustrating. The 35-year-old is currently sitting on an adequate 3.89 ERA and an acceptable 7-6 record throughout 19 games this season. However, although Cueto is worth a stash in deeper formats, managers should be prepared for an absence that extends beyond the 10-day designation. In a corresponding move, shortstop Thairo Estrada has been called up from Triple-A Sacramento to fill the void.

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Johnny Cueto delivered an uninspiring start in Sunday's 5-4 win over the Brewers. Cueto pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing four runs on five hits (including a two-run home run) and a walk with three strikeouts. The veteran has had an up-and-down season, compiling a 7-6 record with a 3.98 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and 21.1% strikeout rate. His next start will be a favorable one against the Rockies at home. At this point, fantasy managers should pick and choose their spots to start Cueto. This next start looks like a good opportunity.

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Johnny Cueto fell to 7-6 despite turning in a decent start in Tuesday's 3-1 loss to the Diamondbacks. Cueto pitched 5 innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits and four walks with seven strikeouts. However, he was out-dueled by former teammate Madison Bumgarner. Cueto has been erratic this season but does have a solid 3.83 ERA and 1.29 WHIP through 18 starts. His next start will be a tough one at the Brewers. Fantasy managers in roto leagues may hesitate to start Cueto, and he seems like a safer play in points leagues.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Luis Patiño outpitched Gerrit Cole, Brett Phillips hit a grand slam during a 10-run sixth inning, and the Tampa Bay Rays avoided a three-game sweep by routing the New York Yankees 14-0 on Thursday. Patiño (2-2) allowed three hits in six innings. The 21-year-old right-hander, acquired in the trade that sent Blake Snell to San Diego last December, struck out eight and walked two. Cole (10-6) gave up a season-high eight runs — seven earned — on six hits over 5 1/3 innings and saw his ERA jump from 2.74 to 3.11. He had 10 strikeouts and two walks. Austin Meadows homered twice and drove in five runs for the Rays. Louis Head and Ryan Sherriff completed a four-hitter. All nine batters in the Rays’ lineup reached base in the sixth. It was the biggest scoring inning by Tampa Bay since a 10-run fifth at Miami on June 5, 2008. NATIONALS 3, PHILLIES 1, GAME 1 PHILLIES 11, NATIONALS 8, 8 INNINGS, GAME 2 PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Max Scherzer delivered a signature performance in... [More]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Luis Patiño outpitched Gerrit Cole, Brett Phillips hit a grand slam during a 10-run sixth inning, and the Tampa Bay Rays avoided a three-game sweep by routing the New York Yankees 14-0 on Thursday. Patiño (2-2) allowed three hits in six innings. The 21-year-old right-hander, acquired in the trade that sent Blake Snell to San Diego last December, struck out eight and walked two. Cole (10-6) gave up a season-high eight runs — seven earned — on six hits over 5 1/3 innings and saw his ERA jump from 2.74 to 3.11. He had 10 strikeouts and two walks. Austin Meadows homered twice and drove in five runs for the Rays. Louis Head and Ryan Sherriff completed a four-hitter. All nine batters in the Rays’ lineup reached base in the sixth. It was the biggest scoring inning by Tampa Bay since a 10-run fifth at Miami on June 5, 2008. NATIONALS 3, PHILLIES 1, GAME 1 PHILLIES 11, NATIONALS 8, 8 INNINGS, GAME 2 PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Max Scherzer delivered a signature performance in... [More]