It's been a rough four-outing stretch for the hard-throwing rookie, who sports a 6.75 ERA over that 24-inning span. Cueto now owns a 5.02 ERA on the year but expect that to eventually drop, as his 116/47 K/BB ratio portends very well for the future. Keep faith in the talented youngster as he squares off against the light-hitting Nationals at Nationals Park next.

Cueto's been unpredictable this month, sandwiching a pair of somewhat shaky outings between two quality gems. While it remains difficult to determine exactly which version of the rookie hurler will take the hill, owners shouldn't hesitate to consider Cueto for a spot-start when he next gets the ball, July 28 in Houston.

Cueto fans 10

Johnny Cueto struck out 10 Padres in six innings on Tuesday. He gave up four hits, three walks and three runs but finished with a no-decision. He threw 120 pitches.The pitch count could be a bit alarming. Let's hope the Reds do not burn out the explosive young arm.

Johnny Cueto did not fair well against the Mets on Thursday. In 5.1 innings he gave up six runs on six hits and three walks. He did strike out six.Cueto is among the most inconsistent pitchers going. Hopefully, that consistency will come with more experience for the rookie.

The Cincinnati Reds managed to find just two hits in their 5-1 loss to the Cubs, leaving RHP Johnny Cueto out to dry despite a strong overall performance on the mound. Cueto pitched 6 2/3 innings to allowed five runs (four earned) on eight hits with two walks and six strikeouts.The only big mistake was to third baseman Aramis Ramirez, hitting a homer in the sixth with no runners on base. Unfortunately the Reds failed to get the offensive support in line, giving him his first loss in three starts.

Cueto and Reds dispatch Nationals

Johnny Cueto, who retired the first 13 batters he faced before allowing an infield single to the Nationals' Christian Guzman, exited the 5-3 win after seven strong innings. The Cincinnati right-hander earned his seventh win of the season.The Reds' rookie allowed three runs on seven hits, walked one and struck out eight in the quality start.