The Giants’ rotation will get a lift this weekend when Johnny Cueto makes his highly anticipated return to the mound Sunday against the Padres.

Cueto, who has been on the 10-day injured list since April 16 with a Grade 1 lat strain beneath his right shoulder, is expected to be activated for the weekend series.

It’s uncertain what Cueto’s return means for Logan Webb, who has filled in for the veteran right-hander and took the loss in Wednesday afternoon's 6-5 defeat to the Rockies at Coors Field. What we do know is that Anthony DeSclafani will start Friday’s series opener against San Diego, and Kevin Gausman, who was placed on the IL on Tuesday because of side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine, will pitch Saturday.

“[Gausman’s] feeling good,” Giants manager Gabe Kapler said. “I don't have concerns about his ability to make his next start and give us a full workload.”

Cueto (2-0) posted a 1.80 ERA over three starts before the injury. He racked up 18 strikeouts in 20 innings with only four walks for what has arguably been the best rotation in baseball.

Giants starters had a 2.66 ERA, which ranked fourth in the Majors, through April 14, Cueto's last start before going on IL. Since April 16, the starters have a 2.44 ERA, the best in baseball during that span. San Francisco's starting rotation entered Wednesday with MLB bests in ERA (2.53) and opponents' OPS (.583).

The Giants' offense is also expected to get a boost. Mike Yastrzemski, who is on the injured list with a left oblique strain, is on track to be activated this weekend.

In other injury news, reliever Reyes Moronta, who experienced right forearm tightness on Saturday, will be evaluated Thursday by team orthopedist Dr. Ken Akizuki. Moronta missed the 2020 season while rehabbing from right shoulder surgery before landing back on the IL on April 11 with a right flexor strain.

Left fielder Alex Dickerson is still dealing with right shoulder soreness and continues to be evaluated. Infielder Mauricio Dubón, who was hit by a pitch on his left hand in the second game of Tuesday’s doubleheader and stayed in the game, was not in the starting lineup for Wednesday’s matinee. The Giants are already without infielders Donovan Solano (right calf strain) and Tommy La Stella (left hamstring strain).

Other notes
• Catcher Joey Bart was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento after Wednesday's game.

• Left-handed pitcher Conner Menez returned to the Giants' taxi squad after Tuesday’s doubleheader.

• The Giants traded outfielder Skye Bolt to Oakland in exchange for cash considerations prior to Wednesday’s game.