Arrieta nearing return with rehab start on tap

CHICAGO -- Jake Arrieta may be one start away from getting back to the big leagues.

The Cubs right-hander will make at least one more rehab start with Triple-A Iowa early next week, and he could then be ready to start for the big league team. Arrieta had tightness in his right shoulder when Spring Training began, and he did not pitch in any Cactus League games.

He has made three rehab starts for Double-A Tennessee, giving up one earned run on six hits and four walks over 12 1/3 innings. In his last outing on Wednesday, Arrieta went 5 2/3 innings.

Arrieta was in Chicago on Friday to throw a side session for Chris Bosio, so the pitching coach could evaluate the progress.

The Cubs acquired Arrieta last July from the Orioles in the Scott Feldman deal, and he went 4-2 with a 3.66 ERA in nine starts.