KEY POINTS

  • Jake Arrieta could be an option for the San Diego Padres
  • Arrieta has not had a good season thus far
  • The Padres' best chance is a Wild Card unless they can turn things around soon

The San Diego Padres know they have to make a move on the free-agent block, with their roster getting decimated by injuries.

One department that needs addressing is the pitching department. Now, there are suggestions that the Padres could take a chance on ex-Chicago Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta.

Yu Darvish went down with a back injury a couple of days ago, placing the Padres in a pretty tough spot, The Athletic reported.

Fernando Tatis Jr. was activated from the injured list although he continues to have shoulder issues.

The reinstatement of Tatis is good news although the Padres may need more help moving forward.

Arrieta, released by the Cubs some days ago, is rumored to be an option according to Padres Beat writer Kevin Acee.

The aforementioned player was released for his controversial comments as well as his struggles at the mound this season.

His performance so far hardly makes him a proper fit for San Diego. But considering the Padres have little to no alternatives, taking a chance on the 35-year-old pitcher may not hurt.

This season, the veteran right-hander went 5-11 with a 6.88 ERA, 1.76 WHIP and 74 strikeouts in 86.1 innings.

"Early on in the season, his stuff was a little sharper," president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer stated to reporters. "Over time, things tapered back a bit, whether that was some injury issues or age or whatever. He did everything he could do to succeed."

Jake Arrieta Chicago Cubs
Jake Arrieta reacts in the third inning during game four of the National League Division Series against the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field on Oct. 11, 2017 in Chicago. Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Given that the Padres are giving chase to the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants, they need to consider free agents to fill in voids in their roster.

They are just two games ahead of the Cincinnati Reds in the National League standings.

The best that the Padres can target right now is the Wild Card. They trail the Giants by 10 games in the NL West and are looking for the best available talent in the market that they could use on a short-term lease.

Arrieta’s performance may be far from impressive to help the Padres’ cause. But unless they can spot other players who can fill in the roster holes, the Missouri native could be worth the gamble.

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