Chicago Cubs ace Jake Arrieta calls rumors of PED use ‘flattering’

Chicago Cubs ace Jake Arrieta said it is “flattering” that “some of the best players in the game” are spreading rumors that he uses performance-enhancing drugs. The NL Cy Young Award winner said teammates have heard other players allege he has used PEDs to fuel his emergence the last three seasons. “I think it’s funny because I’ve always been in good shape,” he said. “I just [stunk] early in my career.”

Arrieta had a 5.46 career ERA with Baltimore before his July 2013 trade to Chicago. His ERA with the Cubs is 2.17, and in his last 16 starts he is 15-0 with an 0.53 ERA.

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Tigers outfielder Tyler Collins will not be suspended by baseball for directing an improper gesture at fans during a home game Monday, the Detroit Free Press reported.

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A strained right rotator cuff landed New York Mets catcher Travis d’Arnaud on the disabled list for the fifth straight season.

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Minnesota put starting pitchers Ervin Santana (lower back strain) and Kyle Gibson (shoulder strain) on the DL.

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Toronto recalled infielder Matt Dominguez from triple-A Buffalo and started him at third base Tuesday against the White Sox.

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Texas ace Yu Darvish , who had elbow surgery in March 2015, threw 45 pitches in his latest live batting practice session but said he wanted to wait a day before deciding if he is ready for a minor league rehab stint.

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White Sox catcher Kevan Smith, who was to make his major league debut Tuesday, injured his back while stretching before batting practice and was put on the DL.