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Arrieta to likely make one more rehab start in Minors

CHICAGO -- Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta will likely make one more Minor League rehab start before he's ready to join the big league team.

Arrieta, slowed this spring by tightness in his right shoulder, made his fourth rehab start on Monday for Class A Daytona and threw 94 pitches over 5 2/3 innings.

"I felt really good," he said Tuesday at Wrigley Field. "I was uncomfortable throughout the first couple [innings] but settled in nicely as things went on and started to feel like I knew how to get some of those guys out. I got to 94 pitches and that was where the mark was and I feel really good today."

The last outing of Spring Training for starting pitchers is usually a shorter one, and that's where Arrieta is in his progression. With Arrieta still needing time to rehab, Carlos Villanueva will stay in the rotation, manager Rick Renteria said.

Arrieta did serve up three home runs on Monday, but said the wind was blowing out in Clearwater, Fla.

"I still need to be more efficient with my changeup," Arrieta said. "It's tough in those type of situations trying to force it when it's not necessary. I still got to throw everything, got built up and feel good today and those are the most important signs."

Carrie Muskat is a reporter for MLB.com. She writes a blog, Muskat Ramblings, and you can follow her on Twitter @CarrieMuskat.
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