SAN FRANCISCO -- The first thing the Giants learned about Johnny Cueto in spring training was that he likes to take it easy in bullpen sessions. That made it difficult, then, to properly judge his big session Tuesday.
But Cueto told manager Bruce Bochy and team trainers that he feels no discomfort in his trained left groin. He will start Thursday.
"I feel really good," Cueto said through interpreter Erwin Higueros. "I feel great."
Bochy said Cueto would go through PFP (fielding) drills on Wednesday as one final test. The right-hander made a face when told of the final hurdle.
"No," he said, smiling and switching to English. "That's for spring training."
The start will be the final one of the regular season for Cueto. He will take Albert Suarez's spot, with Madison Bumgarner pitching Friday. The Giants will need a Saturday starter but they can figure that out as they go.
--- Bochy said an MRI showed exactly what the Giants thought on Eduardo Nuñez. He has a mild hamstring strain and will miss at least two or three days. "He's done this before and he came back in three to four days," Bochy said.
Sports
The Giants, internally, are planning to have Nuñez back this weekend. If not, Gordon Beckham could get two very high profile starts. Beckham was acquired from the Braves on Tuesday. The veteran has two hits in five career at-bats against Clayton Kershaw, which would probably be a Giants record. He is 1-for-2 against Rich Hill. There's a chance he faces both this weekend.
--- The Giants will hold a moment of silence for Jose Fernandez tonight. They hung a jersey in the dugout to honor him.
