Chicago Cubs: Arrieta takes the mound in last game versus Brewers

With the National League Central wrapped up, the Chicago Cubs look to finish the season series versus the Milwaukee Brewers with another win for Jake Arrieta.

The party is over. It is time to get back to “frying some fish.” Part of that will be seeing Jake Arrieta returning to his dominant self.

Now that the Chicago Cubs are in the playoffs, Manager Joe Maddon is giving regular players time off. In the game yesterday, none of the regular position players were in the starting line-up. It was the first time all season that neither Kris Bryant or Anthony Rizzo did not play. Maddon has said that resting players is a priority. Today is no different, except Bryant get the start at first base. Here is the line-up:

However, the pitching match-ups for the rest of the season have been slated, with the Cubs staying on a six-man rotation. This is mainly in part letting the rotation to keep their rhythm. Part of that will be seeing Jake Arrieta returning to his dominant self.

Arrieta (17-6) has not performed up to expectations during the second half of 2016. While batters are not hitting him well, the walks are up and the strikeouts are down from the season’s first half. While he earned the win in his last game, he only went 5.1 innings and allowed three runs against the Houston Astros. For his career against the Milwaukee Brewers, Arrieta is 6-3 with a 2.78 ERA.

However, in his last outing versus the Brewers, Arrieta gave up five runs in 5 2/3 innings. The team still won the game 15-5. The Brewers will send their regular line-up to the plate hoping to win the series.

The line-up for the Chicago Cubs will face rookie Zach Davies (10-7, 3.87 ERA) for the fourth time this season. In his previous start against the Cubs, Davies was not given run support. He only allowed three runs in seven innings, but a home run by first baseman Chris Carter was the only run the Brewers would get off of Cubs starter Kyle Hendrick.

Next: Forecasting playoff roster scenarios

A win for the Chicago Cubs would make their record against the Brewers 12-6 on the season, and 42-20 versus the NL Central. And their magic number for home field advantage would drop to eight.
Today’s game from Wrigley Field starts at 3:05 Central and airs on WGN. Be sure to check out post-game reviews and notes at Cubbies Crib after the final out!