Chicago Cubs: Jake Arrieta should now be No. 1 starter

With Jon Lester on the DL, along with his ongoing struggles prior, the Chicago Cubs should now make Jake Arrieta their ace, moving forward.

Following a dismal pitching performance against the Cincinnati Reds last Thursday, the Chicago Cubs placed their ace, Jon Lester, on the 10-day disabled list, due to shoulder soreness. His season as a whole has been a bit of a disappointment.

Heading into the new week, Lester has a 4.37 ERA in 26 starts. His ERA during the second half of the season is even more inflated: 4.69 ERA in 7 starts, spanning 40.1 innings pitched.

While the Chicago Cubs expect Lester to come back strong down the stretch, manager Joe Maddon should make Jake Arrieta his number one starter moving forward.

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It’s very simple why that should be the case. Arrieta has been a very different pitcher in the second half of the season. A much more reliable pitcher than Jon Lester, in fact.

In seven post all-star break starts, Arrieta is 5-1, to go along with a sparkling 2.00 ERA. He has also only walked 12 batters in 45 innings pitched.

Arrieta is pitching more and more like his dominant ace “self” in 2015, rather than a pitcher who struggled mightily at times during the first half of this season.

Better command leading to sustainable success

Arrieta’s second-half resurgence has helped lift the Cubs to first place in their division. He’s pitching with improved command of the strike zone. Thus, allowing fewer walks to opposing batters. And in turn, pitching deeper into contested ball-games.

Joe Maddon has been known to go with whoever has the “hot hand” when games matter most. That’s why leaning on Arrieta down the stretch is a must. Barring any regression in performance, Arrieta has all the momentum on his side. And, it’s no secret that his teammates are feeding off his improved play.

Pitching with more to prove

Arrieta is pitching for a mega-contract deal following this season. For that to happen though, he must prove to teams that he’s still an ace caliber pitcher.

What better way to prove your market value worth than leading your team to another World Series championship?

Arrieta has all the motivation needed to continue pitching well down the stretch for the Cubs. He also has plenty of experience over the years leading the Chicago Cubs to pivotal victories as an ace. Look no further than his 2015 Wild Card pitching performance against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Confidence goes a long way

While Arrieta no longer throws fastballs in the mid-90’s, this has become a blessing in disguise as of late. A reduction in velocity has allowed Arrieta to use his off-speed pitches more frequently to produce outs.

Arrieta now has more confidence in throwing both his changeup and sharp-breaking curveball to keep hitters off-balance during counts.

It took him much longer than anticipated in learning how to pitch effectively with less velocity. Hence, a rocky first half of the season for the former Cy Young winner.

The second half of this season provided Arrieta the fresh start he needed to get back on track.

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As has been the case more often than not now, Arrieta has delivered some of his most efficient pitching performances to date.

That’s all Maddon can ask for from his pitcher. One who is pitching more like the reliable ace, we’ve all been accustomed to seeing in recent years.

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