Jake Arrieta made another successful rehab start at AA Tennessee yesterday, allowing one run on three hits and a walk over 5.2 innings. He struck out two. The plan is for Arrieta to make one more rehab start, this time at AAA Iowa, next week. From there, he could be set to make his season debut with the Cubs.
In what may or may not be a related move, the Cubs have shifted their rotation a bit for this weekend. Jeff Samardzija will pitch on Friday against the Reds, Edwin Jackson will pitch on Saturday, and Carlos Villanueva will pitch on Sunday. The move allows Edwin Jackson to pitch on close to his usual schedule, and also gives Carlos Villanueva a little extra rest.
With that shakeup, it’s possible that the Cubs could be setting up for Arrieta to slot back into the rotation in Villanueva’s spot at the end of next week, depending on when Arrieta makes his next rehab start. If you’re eyeing a possible return for Arrieta, it could be as soon as next Friday, or perhaps the next time through the rotation after that.