Cubs Release Jake Arrieta, Place Willson Contreras on 10-Day IL

It’s finally over. The Cubs have released Jake Arrieta.

The Arrieta 2.0 project was a complete failure and it’s finally over. In 86.1 innings pitched in 2021, Arrieta finished his second tenure with the Cubs with a 6.88 ERA, including an 8.35 mark since May 1.

That’s not great, folks. That is bad.

He will always be beloved on the North Side of Chicago for his contributions during his first tenure, but his time was surely coming to an end, especially after allowing seven earned runs in the first inning of an eventual 10-0 loss Wednesday night.

Arrieta had no answers for his performance last night and it sums up the Cubs season: a downward dip that doesn’t seem like it’s going to end.

Furthermore, Arrieta suggested a reporter remove his mask when asking a question during last night’s postgame media availability, per Patrick Mooney of The Athletic.

Needless to say, Arrieta’s second stint in Chicago came to a tumultuous end both on and off the field.

Also part of today’s transactions, the Cubs placed Willson Contreras on the 10-day injured list with a sprained knee. As a corresponding move, the team activated catcher Austin Romine, the brother of Andrew, who will likely split time with Robinson Chirinos for the time being.

There were no signs of Contreras being hurt Wednesday, so perhaps this is just rest for Contreras since he is one of the league leaders in innings caught over the last couple of seasons.

The Cubs recalled pitcher Ryan Meisinger and designated Kyle Ryan for assignment as well. Meisinger has stood out in Triple-A Iowa recently and it seems the Cubs want to see what he has at the next level.

Meisinger, 27, has 23.1 career Major League innings pitched. The Orioles originally selected him in the 11th round of the 2015 MLB Draft. He was last in the Cardinals organization and signed as a free agent with Cubs in March.

There’s no better time than now to see what he has.

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