Chicago Cubs

Cubs' Jake Arrieta lined up to start potential wild-card game

Published Sep. 9, 2015 4:53 p.m. ET

foxsports

Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon has begun planning for the postseason.

Maddon confirmed Wednesday that ace right-hander Jake Arrieta is lined up to pitch in a probable NL wild-card game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Oct. 7, according to the Chicago Tribune.

"(Arrieta) would be able to pitch in the wild-card game," Maddon said.

The Cubs adjusted Arrieta's schedule 2 1/2 weeks ago, when he beat the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers, to line him up for a possible wild-card start. Arrieta could make his final start of the regular season Sept. 30 against the Reds in Cincinnati -- one week before the wild-card game.

While Maddon is preparing for the most likely scenario at this time, the Cubs are still fighting for more.

"Our goal is not just to play in the wild-card game," Maddon said. "You'd prefer not having to do something like that. I just don't want our guys to lose track or thoughts of catching the Cardinals. That's our best way to play outstanding baseball for the rest of the month leading into the playoffs. You try to catch the Pirates, and then the next (team). I still want us to approach every day that way.''

The Cubs are 2 1/2 games behind Pittsburgh for the top wild-card spot and owner of home field advantage in the one-game playoff. However, they have their work cut out for them in the division race, as the St. Louis Cardinals have a 7 1/2 game lead over the Cubs in the NL Central.

(Chicago Tribune)