THE HOT CORNER

1 GIANTS: San Francisco could accelerate its timeline for pitcher Johnny Cueto to help with their pursuit of an NL wild card. The two-time All-Star had Tommy John surgery last August. Cueto gave up one run in 2 2/3 innings Thursday for Class A San Jose on a limited pitch count. He struck out seven in four scoreless innings in his first two rehab appearances in the rookie Arizona League. The original plan was to have the 33-year-old righty make at least two more rehab starts.

2 METS: One day after he was placed on the 10-day IL with a mild left hamstring strain, second baseman Jeff McNeil jogged in the outfield before batting practice. McNeil’s work supports hopes he won’t miss more than 10 days in his second IL stint this season with the same injury.

3 YANKEES: Right-hander Luis Severino (shoulder) threw his full repertoire with authority in a 30-pitch bullpen. He could face batters in another session Sunday before heading to Florida for a simulated game . ... RHP Dellin Betances (shoulder impingement) also threw off a mound before Thursday’s game.

4 TWINS: DH Nelson Cruz (left wrist) was expected to hit on the field at some point this weekend. Cruz was put on the 10-day injured list Aug. 9, a day after he was injured on a swing.

5 CUBS: Shortstop Javier Baez was scratched from the lineup Thursday night because of an illness . ... Closer Craig Kimbrel (right knee inflammation) felt fine after another bullpen session and is closer to returning.

6 REDS: Cincinnati promoted righthanders Matt Bowman and Joel Kuhnel from Triple-A Louisville. Right-hander Sal Romano was sent down, and veteran reliever Jared Hughes was claimed off waivers by Philadelphia.