Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto believes he can return against the Giants

Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto said he thinks he can return if the team's series with the Giants goes more than three games, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer's Tom Groeschen.

Cueto returned to Cincinnati on Sunday in order to get more treatment for his back. Spasms forced him to leave Game 1 on Saturday night after throwing just eight pitches. Cueto said head trainer Paul Lessard treated the injury with heat, and that seemed to help. He also mentioned that he's doing “normal activities” and that he believes he could return this series if the team needs him. The Reds won both games in San Francisco over the weekend and lead the best-of-5 series two games to none.

The 26-year-old Cueto emerged as the Reds' ace this season. In 217 innings, he had a 2.78 ERA and a 3.27 FIP. Homer Bailey is expected to start Game 3 on Tuesday for the Reds, who will go for the sweep.

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