The Chicago Cubs can bounce back from a three-game losing streak with some positive news on the injury front as Jake Arrieta and Nico Hoerner return.
The Cubs will get a boost just when they need it on Friday.
Pitcher Jake Arrieta and second baseman Nico Hoerner were activated from the 10-day injured list ahead of Chicago’s meeting with the Tigers in Detroit.
Arrieta will start on the mound while Hoerner will bat eighth in his return.
The Cubs are on a three-game losing streak coming out of their two-game series with Cleveland. The progress they made in a five-game winning streak before this slump has been negated somewhat. They now sit fourth in the NL Central at 17-19.
The Cubs need help from Jake Arrieta and Nico Hoerner to get back on track
Arrieta missed a game because of a cut on his thumb, but he’ll be back for an ideal matchup with the Tigers, who are one of the worst hitting teams in baseball this season. They rank 26th in batting average, 25th in home runs and fourth-worst in strikeouts.
It hasn’t been the greatest season for Arrieta in his first year back with the Cubs. He’s 3-3 with an ERA of 4.31. Detroit should provide a nice warm-up, so long as he doesn’t underestimate them.
The Tigers are actually feeling it right now. They’re on a four-game winning streak and ahead of Minnesota in the AL Central standings at 13-24. Streaks will be on the line for both squads on Friday.
Hoerner landed on the injury list with a forearm strain related to a collision. Before the injury, he was playing exceptionally well. He has seven RBI in 11 games while batting .389/.500/.556.
With Arrieta and Hoerner back, the Cubs optioned reliever Jason Adam and outfielder Nick Martini to Triple-A Iowa.