It’s not very often that you see the name of an MLB veteran being named the PCL pitcher of the week, but that’s what just happened when Johnny Cueto was named PCL Pitcher of the Week for May 27-June 2.
The 38-year-old Cueto the a quality start on his way to his first win of the season for Round Rock. The Express won 6-3 over El Paso. The right-hander tossed 6 scoreless innings, allowing 3 hits and 2 walks while striking out 6 batters, which also happens to be a season-high.
He signed a minor league contract with the Rangers on April 23, 2024, and is just an injury away from the rotation in Arlington.
RHP Alejandro Rosario (Low-A Down East) was named Carolina League Pitcher of the Week for May 27-June 2. The 22-year-old Rosario struck out 11 batters in his scoreless outing, which is also a career-high.
He pitched 6 scoreless innings in his after on Saturday vs. Fredericksburg (W, 6.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 11 SO, 1 HB, 66 pitches/47 strikes). His 11 strikeouts are tied for the 3rd highest strikeout total by a pitcher in a single game.
The Texas Rangers selected Rosario in the 5th round of the 2023 MLB Draft. On the season, Rosario has gone 2-2 with a 1.44 ERA (5 ER/31.1 IP) with 49 SO/5 BB over 7 G/GS for the Wood Ducks in his 1st professional season, ranking among Carolina League leaders (min. 30.0 IP) in SO/9 (2nd, 14.07), WHIP (2nd, 0.86), and ERA (3rd).
Congratulations to both Cueto and Rosario as being named Pitchers of the Week!
