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Chicago Cubs: Jake Arrieta’s start on Sunday incredibly encouraging

By Dan Schmelzer

CINCINNATI, OH - JULY 02: Jake Arrieta #49 of the Chicago Cubs pitches in the first inning of a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on July 2, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - JULY 02: Jake Arrieta #49 of the Chicago Cubs pitches in the first inning of a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on July 2, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jake Arrieta was dominant on Sunday. He looked absolutely fantastic and it is encouraging for his performance for the rest of the season.

On Sunday, Chicago Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta took the mound against the Cincinnati Reds. After the Cubs dropped the first two games in the series, they needed Arrieta to come in and give him a good effort. Based on how he had been pitching, I don’t think anybody really expected him to be dominant in any sort of way.

Arrieta has been extremely inconsistent and disappointing this season. I do not think anybody expected him to get back to his Cy Young level of 2015, but being a strong number two or three starter was expected. Unfortunately, Arrieta entered Sunday’s start with an ugly 4.67 ERA. Arrieta had a solid 24.2% strikeout rate (according to FanGraphs) but his 8.1% walk rate has gotten him into trouble.

Arrieta has struggled with command all season long and has given up more hard contact than he ever has while pitching for the Chicago Cubs. Make no mistake about it, Arrieta’s struggles have been a major problem for the 2017 Cubs.

Sunday’s start

That being said, he absolutely dominated the Reds’ lineup on Sunday. Arrieta pitched seven shutout innings against the Reds, allowing only one hit on the afternoon. He struck out six batters and walked two. Arrieta was in control throughout the ball game and looked to have the Reds’ hitters completely overmatched.

The Cubs are going to need more consistency out of their starting pitching if they are going to make a run in the National League Central, and Arrieta is a major part of that. They do not need him to get back to his Cy Young form, but if he can be a strong and consistent middle of the rotation option, the Cubs are going to be in good shape.

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Arrieta was sharp on Sunday, showing great life on his fastball and quick movement on his breaking pitches. He also really had his sinker working well, getting ground ball outs at an incredible 68.8% clip.

On start certainly does not fix an entire season of issues for Arrieta. He still has a lot of work to do to become a valuable member of the Chicago Cubs again. However, his start on Sunday is incredibly encouraging. Do not be surprised to see Arrieta ride this success to a strong second half of the season.

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