Johnny B. Good

Johnny Cueto is scheduled to start for the Reds tonight in a 7:10 PM match up against the Mets at Citi Field. Cueto, who was hit hard in his last start, only retired two batters and didn't even make it out of the first inning. When it was all said and done, Cueto allowed nine earned runs on five hits.

If you're a Cueto owner, I wouldn't get too alarmed. Cueto had been experiencing lower back pain, but that shouldn't affect him too much tonight. If you're on the fence about starting or sitting him, I would recommend starting him. Tonight's game is the perfect scenario for a bounce back performance. Cueto will have pitcher friendly Citi Field combined with a depleted Mets' lineup working together in his favor. Look for him to have a quality start, with the right conditions to have a huge game. I wouldn't be surprised if he went seven to eight innings with two or less earned runs and eight or more strikeouts. With the All-Star Break bringing extra days off, Cueto like many pitchers may be on an extended leash. Remember, the Mets have been held to two runs or less in six out of their last seven games, including three shutouts. The Mets are slumping badly, and David Wright has been at the center of it all. The only downside is that Cueto will be facing off with Met's ace Johan Santana. However, Santana has been a little inconsistent his last handful of starts. With Brandon Phillips and Joey Votto swinging the bat well of late, look for Cueto to have a solid shot at a win.