Before Tuesday's game, Cubs manager Joe Maddon said Arrieta's command was off Monday and that he didn't finish his pitches well. The right-hander served up four runs over 5 2/3 innings, which was enough for the win.
"I'll be ready every game," Arrieta said. "Doesn't matter. I'll be ready to win some ballgames for us. First, second game, either way."
Arrieta has set career highs in innings pitched and starts this season. Could he be fatigued?
"You have to be careful with that," Maddon said. "I think, more than anything, it was the emotional component of pitching and winning the Wild Card Game.