Reds SP Cueto cleared to throw

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto was cleared to start throwing for the first time since he left Game 1 of the NLDS against the San Francisco Giants because of an oblique injury, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported Friday.

Cueto was given the green light after being examined by Reds medical director Dr. Tim Kremchek on Friday.

He reportedly is expected to pitch for his native Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic in March.

Cueto finished fourth in the NL Cy Young voting after he had a 2.78 ERA in 217 innings this year.