CINCINNATI – The best-case scenario for the Cubs is Jake Arrieta throwing nine innings and shutting down the Pittsburgh Pirates in a one-game playoff.
Arrieta has emerged as a leading candidate for the National League Cy Young Award, going 15-1 with a 0.89 ERA while putting together 19 consecutive quality starts. The Pirates have scored three earned runs against Arrieta in 36 innings this year.
But the Cubs have to prepare for a worst-case scenario on Oct. 7, which means Jon Lester could be on the wild-card roster for a next-man-up situation.
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“Of course,” manager Joe Maddon said before Tuesday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.