ARRIETA SHOULD GET A W TODAY: Arrieta is on a roll
In his past five starts, Arrieta has a 2.14 ERA (eight earned runs in 33 2/3 IP). Before this stretch, the Cubs gave Arrieta 11 days of rest, his longest stretch without a start this season.
The rest appears to have paid off. Arrieta has gotten increased movement on his fastball and slider in his past five starts compared with the first half of the season. The pitch that seems to have gained the most improvement is his curveball, which is averaging more spin and downward break in the second half.
Opposing hitters haven’t been able to touch his curveball in the second half. They are 2-for-19 in at-bats ending with the pitch in Arrieta’s past five starts.