Johnny Cueto has been one of the best pitchers in baseball since returning from his triceps injury in May. He’s posted a 2.06 ERA in 17 starts and would be the league leader if he had thrown enough innings. However, his recent run of excellence for the Reds was marred by a poor start on Saturday against the Cubs.
Cueto gave up five runs on seven hits and couldn’t make it past the fourth inning. What led to the poor outing? As Redlegs Review pointed out to us, Cueto says a bad batch of chicken wings did him in.
“I had bad chicken wings at the hotel,” Cueto told the Cincinnati Enquirer. “Felt like I was going to throw up. I’m good now. I’m ready to pitch tomorrow.”
That certainly is a new one when it comes to excuses for poor performances. Chicken wings did him in? Chicken wings? You serious bro? That’s the best you could come up with? Next thing you know he’ll be telling us he had a contaminated piece of meat or tainted energy drink. If the wings were the problem, maybe it’s because he ordered them at a strip club like Pacman Jones.
UPDATE: Cueto went seven scoreless for the win Thursday, shutting out the Rockies. After the game, he referenced the wings again! “I didn’t have any wings today,” Cueto said. “I felt strong. I have been working hard to get better.” Classic!
