Cueto set to return in final game vs. Rockies

Cueto fans six before early exit 0:31

Johnny Cueto keeps the Dodgers off the board through 5 1/3 innings before exiting with an injury, striking out six to earn win No. 17

SAN FRANCISCO -- After a successful throwing session, Johnny Cueto (strained left groin) is expected to start for the Giants in their series finale against the Rockies on Thursday.

"I feel really well, really good," Cueto said Tuesday via an interpreter. "I was doing everything as if I was pitching in a real game and nothing was bothering me."

Full Game Coverage

Manager Bruce Bochy, who at times stood in the batter's box during Cueto's session, echoed the right-hander's remarks.

"That session went fine," Bochy said, adding that Cueto would not be limited by a pitch count.

The first-year Giant's improved health is certainly great news for San Francisco, which entered its final homestand of the season just a game ahead of the Cardinals for the second National League Wild Card spot.

Cueto is 17-5 with a 2.79 ERA in 31 starts this season. He has been dominant in September, too, posting a 1.59 ERA in four starts before sustaining the groin injury Sept. 20.

Justin Wise is a reporter for MLB.com based in the Bay Area. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Share on Google Plus

About Unknown

This is a short description in the author block about the author. You edit it by entering text in the "Biographical Info" field in the user admin panel.