Arrieta promoted for shot in starting rotation

The Cubs are making one major and one minor tweak to their starting rotation.

They’ll call up right-hander Jake Arrieta to start Friday’s series opener against the Cardinals at Wrigley Field. Arrieta, whom the Cubs obtained from Baltimore in the July 2 trade for Scott Feldman, will remain in the rotation, with Carlos Villanueva going back to the bullpen for a second time this season.

Villanueva came on in relief during Wednesday’s 5-0 loss to the Reds and gave up 4 hits and 3 runs in 2 innings.

“We made the decision to bring Arrieta here and start here so Bosio can get a grip on him and Lester as well,” said Cubs manager Dale Sveum, referring to pitching coach Chris Bosio and bullpen coach Lester Strode. “Pitch here and see what we got.”

At Iowa, Arrieta was 2-2 with a 3.56 ERA and a WHIP of 1.58. Between Iowa and Baltimore’s Triple-A club, Arrieta was 7-5 with a 4.08 ERA. He started for the Cubs in the night portion of a July 30 doubleheader, pitching 6 innings and getting no decision against Milwaukee. He allowed 2 hits and 1 run in that game.

With Thursday’s off-day in the schedule, the Cubs will flip-flop lefty Travis Wood and right-hander Edwin Jackson. Wood will start Saturday against the Cardinals with Jackson going Sunday. Because of matchups, the Cubs want Wood to face Washington at the end of next week’s series against the Nationals at Wrigley Field.

Another set of eyes:Reliever Matt Guerrier said he is going to have a second opinion on his right elbow. Guerrier is on the 60-day disabled list and out for the rest of the season. He experienced pain last week in an appearance at Philadelphia. Guerrier said he has a tear in the pronator muscle that#146;s less than one inch displaced. He said that surgery is usually required and that recovery is 6-8 months, which is significantly less than what#146;s required for Tommy John surgery. The Cubs obtained Guerrier from the Dodgers in a July 2 trade for reliever Carlos Marmol. Guerrier said Dr. Timothy Kremchek will provide the second opinion.