Call to the pen
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San Diego Padres desperation could lead to Jake Arrieta

By David Hill

Mar 23, 2021; Mesa, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta against the Chicago White Sox during a Spring Training game at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2021; Mesa, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta against the Chicago White Sox during a Spring Training game at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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At the beginning of the season, the San Diego Padres appeared to have an impressive amount of pitching depth. Their rotation was considered to be one of the best in baseball, and their bullpen had the potential to be a buzzsaw. Now, with just a handful of weeks left in the season, the Padres desperately need help in the rotation, especially as Yu Darvish has joined the list of the walking wounded.

Desperate times call for desperate measures. As such, the Padres are reportedly considering Jake Arrieta as an option to fill a spot in the rotation.

San Diego Padres actually considering Jake Arrieta

It is somewhat unbelievable that a team with postseason aspirations would be considering someone who pitched so poorly that they were released by the Cubs. And yet, due to injuries and disappointing performances, this is where the Padres now find themselves.

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Arrieta completely imploded after what had been a strong five starts to begin the season. Over the course of his 86.1 innings in Chicago, he posted a 5-11 record with a 6.88 ERA and a 1.761 WHiP, striking out 74 batters with 39 walks. Arrieta was hit hard, allowing 21 homers while opponents battered him to a .315/.383/557 batting line. He just does not have anything left.

Nonetheless, he will still draw interest. His track record as a former All Star and Cy Young winner could lead to opportunities that may not exist otherwise. Likewise, his postseason experience, and having won a championship during his time in Chicago, could lead to the Padres considering him due to that experience.

But there is the matter of what Arrieta has left. Based on his performance for the Cubs this season, the answer is not much. Maybe he can recapture his form from his first five outings as a new environment makes a difference. However, even that is far more than anyone should expect from Arrieta at this point in his career.

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The San Diego Padres need pitching help. They must truly be desperate if they are considering Jake Arrieta as an option.

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