Can Johnny Cueto help boost the Chicago White Sox rotation? We take a look at what he can bring to the South Side
The Chicago White Sox have been mired in mediocrity so far in the 2022 season. They currently sit in second place in the American League Central division, 3 games behind the Minnesota Twins.
One reason why the White Sox are around .500 and not worse has been their starting pitching. Dylan Cease, Lucas Giolito, and Michael Kopech have all been brilliant so far. But there have been some rough spots at the back end of the starting rotation.
Dallas Keuchel and Vince Velasquez have not performed as well as fans hoped for. However, there is another name at the back end of the rotation who could end up bringing the stability they lack.
And that player is Johnny Cueto.
Fans were excited to see how Cueto would perform in a White Sox uniform given his pedigree as a two time All Star and former World Series champion, even at the age of 36. On Monday night in Kansas City, Cueto did not disappoint. He threw 6 shutout innings against the Royals while only allowing two hits and striking out seven.
The White Sox could not have asked for a better first outing from Cueto and he will take the mound again this Sunday night at Yankee Stadium.
Ah, Johnny Cueto is definitely a member of the White Sox. Pitch a great game only to get a no-decision.
— Mike (@ChiSoxFanMike) May 17, 2022
Now, it is unlikely that Cueto will be this good every start for the White Sox, but it is exciting that they now have a back of the rotation starter. Cueto brings a high floor every fifth day and gives them a good chance to win.
A healthy starting rotation consisting of Giolito, Cease, Kopech, Cueto and Lance Lynn would arguably be the best in the American League. That would give the White Sox a great chance to make a deep postseason run.
Cueto brings a veteran presence, impressive resume and stability on the mound that Keuchel and Velasquez don’t, which should help the rest of the rotation perform at a high level. It should be an entertaining rest of the season for the White Sox, let’s hope Cueto can help them right the ship sooner rather than later.
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