Chicago Cubs ace Jake Arrieta is pitching at an otherworldly level right now. In his last 24 starts, he’s 20-1 with a 0.86 ERA, and is 4-0 with a 0.87 ERA so far this year.
Arrieta keeps hitters guessing and is getting them out many different ways. Rather than other pitchers who rely on just strikeouts, ground balls or fly balls to record outs, he utilizes a mix of all three. The Cubs pitcher is coming off a no-hitter against the Reds, which came just 14 starts after his first one back in August of last year.
Unfortunately, though, in this day and age, dominance draws allegations of performance-enhancing drug use. And there has been talk from players and analysts alike insinuating that Arrieta may be using them. When asked about it, the Cubs pitcher directly addressed the issue and did not hold back (via Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports).
“I’ve heard players, and I’m talking about some of the best players in the league,’’ Arrieta told USA TODAY Sports, “question whether I’ve taken steroids or not. Some of the things I hear are pretty funny, and some people are idiots, frankly.
“I’ll see on Twitter, ‘My close source revealed to me he’s on steroids.’ Well, the 10 tests I take a year say otherwise. I eat plants. I eat lean meat. I work out. And I do things the right way.”
He then said that he appreciates the praise for his dominant outings, but doesn’t want to be marred by PED allegations.
“Hey, that’s one of the best compliments you can give a guy,’’ he says. “I appreciate the fact that you think I’m pretty good, but taking steroids, that’s pushing it.’’
It’s a shame that nearly every time an MLB player goes on a long hot streak they’re accused of using PEDs. Arrieta has passed all of his drug tests to date, and we should be talking about his body of work, not throwing out baseless accusations.