Jake Arrieta status unclear as simulated game switched to bullpen session
Jake Arrieta
The case of tender hamstrings could set up a Game 3 showdown between  Jake Arrieta  of the Cubs and Max Scherzer of the Nationals in the National League Division Series.
In the case of the Cubs   Arrieta 's availability could be a best-case scenario as  he  now will pitch a bullpen session Wednesday instead of a simulated game.
"It's just an indication we don't want to push  him  right now " manager Joe Maddon said of  Arrieta   who missed 21/2 weeks because of a Grade 1 right hamstring strain and admittedly altered  his  delivery during  his  last start on Sept. 26 to compensate for the lack of full strength in  his  leg.
Maddon replied "no" when asked whether this will affect  Arrieta 's chances of making the NLDS roster  adding that  he  didn't aggravate  his  injury in  his  last start.
But if  Arrieta  is deemed not healthy enough to pitch  that could open a spot in the rotation for John Lackey  whose status hasn't been determined yet  Maddon said.
The case of tender hamstrings could set up a Game 3 showdown between  Jake Arrieta  of the Cubs and Max Scherzer of the Nationals in the National League Division Series.
In the case of the Cubs    [TGT]  's availability could be a best-case scenario as   [TGT]   now will pitch a bullpen session Wednesday instead of a simulated game.
"It's just an indication we don't want to push   [TGT]   right now " manager Joe Maddon said of  Arrieta   who missed 21/2 weeks because of a Grade 1 right hamstring strain and admittedly altered   [TGT]   delivery during   [TGT]   last start on Sept. 26 to compensate for the lack of full strength in   [TGT]   leg.
Maddon replied "no" when asked whether this will affect  Arrieta 's chances of making the NLDS roster  adding that  he  didn't aggravate  his  injury in  his  last start.
But if  Arrieta  is deemed not healthy enough to pitch  that could open a spot in the rotation for John Lackey  whose status hasn't been determined yet  Maddon said.