Jake Arrieta is a garbage fire at the moment, and he doesn’t seem like the man to end the Cubs losing streak.
The Cubs have lost 10 straight games. So, who did they turn to in hopes of returning to the win column? None other than Jake Arrieta.
Were this 2015, Arrieta would’ve been the perfect pitcher to send out there. Yet, 2021 Arrieta is a less than ideal option. Especially right now. Arrieta has been awful of late, giving up seven earned runs (10 overall) in his last 1.2 innings pitched.
Arrieta’s issues date back far longer than that. On the season, he has a 5.57 ERA, and that seems generous.
Chicago Cubs fans furious at Jake Arrieta for first-inning grand slam
Arrieta could not have had a worst start to his outing on Tuesday, giving up a first-inning grand slam to Andrew McCutchen of the Phillies before recording a single out.
The veteran righty clearly missed his location by a wide margin, and perhaps a move to the bullpen would be a wise decision by David Ross. Why Ross opted to start him today remains a mystery, frankly. The Cubs season is on the brink.
Cutch isn’t in MVP form anymore, but he’s not going to miss that. Cubs fans were rightly upset.
The Cubs are beyond dead. They need to stop doing this to Arrieta. Just end it
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) July 7, 2021
Getting ready to go to a Cubs game started by Jake Arrieta pic.twitter.com/S6P0STQgQs
— Trade Deadline Insider Jeff Everson (@EVR551) July 6, 2021
This is Jake Arrieta’s best start for the Phillies.
— Sixto Lezcano (@mleif) July 7, 2021
God I love Jake Arrieta.
— Jack Fritz (@JackFritzWIP) July 7, 2021
Good morning to everyone except Jake Arrieta
— John Foley (@2008Philz) July 6, 2021
Jake Arrieta allowed as many ER before an out tonight as he did in 12 starts over Aug & Sep 2015.
— Drew Davis (@drewdavis71) July 7, 2021
Lowered his season ERA in 11 of his 12 final starts that season. Just lights out. pic.twitter.com/gBTIyMbeth
How it feels to look in the mirror, knowing that Arrieta starts tonight and you're trying to stop a double digit losing streak. pic.twitter.com/mpjM0H7sfY
— Heckler Cubs (@HecklerChiCubs) July 6, 2021
Nothing like watching Jake Arrieta throw a 92 mph fastball right down the dadgum middle and for it not to happen to your team.
— John Stolnis (@JohnStolnis) July 7, 2021
Me right now knowing what Arrieta did from 2014-2017 pic.twitter.com/DxxmBdVVP9
— Derek Kudjer (@koojababy) July 7, 2021
Jake Arrieta soon to be complaining about the Cubs defensive alignment all being in the bleachers
— Franzke & LA (@FranzkeLA) July 7, 2021
How to load the bases and give up a grand slam in 10 pitches.
— Kevin Kaduk (@KevinKaduk) July 7, 2021
By Jake Arrieta.
There were oh so many more, coming from just about every fanbase.
The Cubs deserve better than what they’re getting from Arrieta right now. If they’re not careful, these next few games could be the last for the core of Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, Javier Baez and Willson Contreras.
Tom Ricketts is watching intently.