With his performance on Monday night, it didn’t take long for Kansas City Royals fans to embrace newcomer Johnny Cueto.
According to Johnny Cueto’s translator (Royals catching coach Pedro Grifol), the feelings were mutual.
Cueto loved the reception in his first game as a Royal at Kauffman Stadium. For the first time all year, manager Ned Yost didn’t need to summon a relief pitcher.
“You know you got an ace out there,” said Yost. “That’s a big confidence boost every time Johnny steps on the mound. They know they’ve got an outstanding chance of winning that game.”
Cueto blanked the Detroit Tigers, 4-0, with eight strikeouts. The Royals gave Cueto an early cushion by scoring three runs in the first inning.
