WhiteJohnny Cueto signed a minor league deal with the Chicago White Sox prior to the 2022 season. His future with Chicago was unclear, as he was signed mainly for depth purposes. But the White Sox purchased his contract prior to Monday's game against the Royals and scheduled him to start against Kansas City. However, they weren't sure what to expect from the 36-year old veteran who had struggled in Triple-A to open the season.
Apparently all Cueto needed was a big league start to turn things around. The two-time All-Star reeled off 6 masterful innings of two-hit ball. Cueto didn't allow a single run and struck out 7 in the unprecedented performance. He ended up getting a no-decision but the White Sox did win the game.
Manager Tony La Russa explained why Johnny Cueto found success in his 2022 MLB debut.
“Wow. That's the Johnny Cueto you've seen. He's so deceptive and whatever the fastball is, it plays harder and he spots it. He's down and soft, and then all of a sudden he throws one by you. To be that sharp just shows you his talent and the work that he did to get ready.”
Yankees breakout star Nestor Cortes has found success stemming from deceptive pitching mechanics in an effort to disrupt hitters timing. But it was Johnny Cueto who first made waves by deceiving hitters through a deceptive wind-up on the mound. It helped him during his prime and is still a driving factor in his veteran years.
Cueto commented on his performance as well.
“Throughout my career, I always have put a special emphasis on my first start of the season. Then, I did it today, and I was just excited. I was facing a young team, a team that I used to play with and I was excited. I’m with a team that is a good team, too, with a lot of young talent.”
Cueto could become a valuable piece of the White Sox rotation if he keeps throwing the ball like he did on Monday.
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