Among the Cubs’ stable of unproven power arms, Jake Arrieta and Arodys Vizcaino might be the two most intriguing guys, having traveled complex paths to come to the Cubs (and each acquired in a mid-season flip deal), and with as much upside as any arm in the organization. That’s why word of Vizcaino’s second elbow surgery last year and of Arrieta’s offseason shoulder tightness have been so unnerving. At a time when fans are necessarily clinging to all things hope, having two of the more hoped-for dudes go down with arm troubles is the kind of disappointment we don’t need.
Thankfully, the reports on Vizcaino since last Fall have been tentatively optimistic, and the word on Arrieta’s “injury” didn’t sound particularly dire. And Carrie Muskat and Jesse Rogers hooked folks up with some additional word on the two arms today, and it’s more good news:
#Cubs Arrieta says felt discomfort in shoulder few weeks ago. Has been able to play catch with no pain now. Says they're being cautious
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) February 14, 2014
Sounds like good news for Jake Arrieta. Says he's pain free. Just behind schedule. Isnt ruling out opening day. Needs to build strength
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) February 14, 2014
#Cubs Arrieta: I think the main thing right now is to be cautious and to make sure I'm around for the long haul rather than try to rush it
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) February 14, 2014
For more detail on Arrieta, check out the full updates from Muskat and Rogers. There’s also a piece from Patrick Mooney, including Arrieta’s belief that he can be ready for Opening Day, even.
The tenor and the quotes from Arrieta are positive, and echo the tweets. No MRI was needed, and it sounds more like this was the Cubs pulling back the reins at the first hint of a potential issue. If they slow Arrieta up, and he doesn’t debut until mid-April or even late-April, what has really been lost? Not much. But if he pushes things too quickly and injures his shoulder? Yikes.
As for Vizcaino, more on him later.