Giants encouraged by Johnny Cueto’s latest rehab start

SAN FRANCISCO — Right-hander Johnny Cueto took another important step toward returning to the Giants in September, throwing two shutout innings in an Arizona League rehab start on Friday.

Cueto, who’s recovering from Tommy John surgery last August, gave up two singles and struck out two against the AZL Royals. One of the hits he allowed was by Bobby Witt Jr., the No. 2 pick in this year’s draft.

“He threw the ball well,” Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. “He hit 92 (mph). He had a really good outing.”

Cueto, who will be 34 before the start of next season, was making his second AZL rehab start. He has pitched a total of four innings in the two games and struck out seven.

His next outing likely will be Wednesday or Thursday for the Single-A San Jose Giants when they visit Visalia in a California League game. His pitch count that night will be limited to about 40. The Giants want him to get stretched out but not over do it.

While the Giants are hopeful Cueto’s velocity will return to the mid-90s that it was before the surgery, Bochy said that’s not the only consideration in evaluating if he’s ready to take a big-league mound.

“Johnny can adjust to where his velocity is,” Bochy said. “Sometimes he was 94, sometimes he was 99. He’s a complete pitcher. Still, with that being said, for him to be 92, that’s going to climb.as he adds strength in his arm. It will help his other pitches, too.”

DICKERSON UPDATE

Bochy was asked for a progress report on outfielder Alex Dickerson, who has been sidelined since Aug. 1 with a right oblique strain. “He’s doing baseball activities,” Bochy said. “He’s taking swings in the cage, running, throwing.” Asked about a return date, Bochy had no answer.