Giants' Johnny Cueto Placed on 10-Day DL; Elbow Injury Diagnosed as Inflammation

The San Francisco Giants placed starting pitcher Johnny Cueto on the 10-day disabled list with right elbow inflammation, NBC Sports Bay Area's Alex Pavlovic reported Tuesday.

The 32-year-old veteran also tweaked his ankle near the start of the season and hit the disabled list during the 2017 campaign due to blisters. 

Although he dealt with a few injuries during his time in Cincinnati and last season, Cueto has proven to be a workhorse throughout his career. The two-time All-Star has made at least 30 starts in a season seven times while making fewer than 24 starts only once (11 in 2013).

In 2018, the right-hander has gotten off to an excellent start, going 3-0 with a 0.84 ERA in five starts.

Cueto's injury is the latest blow to a Giants team that has already had to deal with arms on the shelf. Starters Madison Bumgarner (fractured left hand) and Jeff Samardzija (pectoral) and closer Mark Melancon (right elbow flexor) all began the season on the disabled list. 

San Francisco has had the luxury of having two aces—Bumgarner and Cueto—anchor its rotation. However, if Cueto misses an extended period of time, the team's depth will be tested once again.