March 02--The Chicago Cubs' regular season opener is more than one month away, but Jake Arrieta make it clear Wednesday that he is the least of their concerns.
"If the season started today, I'd be ready to go," Arrieta said one day after being named to start the April 4 opener against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. "It's about pulling the reigns a bit and not overworking things and staying fresh on my (bullpen sessions). And not pushing myself in the weight room and finding that right combination of aggressiveness, on and off the field, and being ready when the time comes."
Arrieta, the 2015 National League Cy Young Award winner, appreciated the distinction but downplayed the significance of the assignment over the course of the regular season.
"Somebody has to start that game," Arrieta said. "It's me. Obviously, there are candidates who have done it before and could still start opening day. It's a unique situation. It's nice to be in that role, but I don't put a whole weight into it.
"We're going to need five guys to get to start to finish to where we want to go. We all know where that is."
Arrieta will make his exhibition season debut next week.
"Arm strength is exceptionally good," Arrieta said. "My body is great, so really the only thing I need to work on now is just refining secondary stuff and the emphasis on commanding fastball. But I'm in a good spot."
