'Glimmer of hope' Johnny Cueto could start Game 3 for Reds

Johnny Cueto threw just eight pitches on Saturday. (US Presswire)

Reds starter Johnny Cueto left Game 1 of the NLDS after just eight pitches on Saturday with back spasms, but said he may be able to pitch in Game 3 on Tuesday in Cincinnati.

"I would say yes," Cueto said through translator Thomas Vera at a postgame news conference. "I really feel better right now, but I have to see how I feel tomorrow when I come back."

Reds manager Dusty Baker said he didn't know exactly what the team would do with its rotation after using Game 3's scheduled starter, Mat Latos, for four innings in Saturday's game. According to TBS, general manager Walt Jocketty indicated the team would try to start Cueto on Tuesday, but they could also go with right-hander Homer Bailey, who would be pitching on full rest.

Baker said there was a "glimmer of hope" that Cueto could return.

"I can't say for sure, but you know how back spasms are," Baker said at the postgame news conference. "When it lets you go, it lets you go when it wants to."

If the Reds chose to replace the injured Cueto on the roster, they would lose his services for the next round.

Cueto said he felt his back tighten up on him near the end of his pregame warm-up session in the bullpen.

"As I went to the bullpen, I was warming up and everything went perfect. It was only on the last two throws when I felt a sharp pain on my right side," Cueto said. "Then I was getting ready to go back to the dugout, I just went and talked to the head trainer and told him about he put some heat on it and we communicate to (pitching coach) Bryan (Price) what happened."

Cueto added that he felt better after the game, but was still not ready to say he'd definitely pitch on Tuesday.

"Well, at this time it's hard to say because you have to grip a ball and throw to exactly see how you feel," Cueto said. "Right now, walking, I'm just doing normal every day activities, doesn't feel bad. I feel good with that."

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