A return to the rotation is starting to look unlikely for Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto, who received discouraging news in his recovery from a strained lat Saturday.
An MRI of his strain showed that it has not yet healed, despite his efforts in a strengthening program. As a result, he has not yet been able to begin a throwing program
"They showed basically about 75 percent of the strain is healed," trainer Paul Lessard told the Cincinnati Enquirer. "He's going to continue to do the strengthening stuff for another week and then we'll re-scan him again and see if that 25 percent has closed up."
With just two weeks remaining in the minor-league season, it appears unlikely Cueto will have a chance to begin a minor-league rehab assignment. He has been out since June 29 with this injury, and it is not clear if he will be able to return to the club before the season ends.