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Feb. 20 (UPI) -- A family emergency is keeping San Francisco Giants arm Johnny Cueto from spring training. The 2016 National League All-Star was allowed to stay home in the Dominican Republic for as long as he needs, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Cueto's father is currently ill back in his native homeland.
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The right-handed starter was 18-5 with a 2.79 ERA in 219.2 innings last season. Cueto is due $17 million, annually, through 2021 and has a $22 million club option in 2022.
Cueto was set to pitch in the World Baseball Classic, but his status for that is now in doubt. However, Cueto is partaking in bullpen sessions and streaming them for the Giants coaching staff, according to reports. His first start is set for March 5 in the World Baseball Classic in Miami.
Cueto is staying at a hotel close to the Giants' Santo Domingo facility.
"The hope is that Cueto's father soon gets well enough to travel to Arizona, where Cueto can continue to take care of him," Alex Pavlovic wrote for CSN Bay Area.
The 31-year-old is 114-75 with a 3.23 ERA in nine seasons for the Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, and Giants. The 2014 Cy Young runner-up won a World Series during his 2015 campaign with the Royals.
