Jake Arrieta signs with Padres on minor league deal

The San Diego Padres are continuing to gear up for the stretch run, signing former Cy Young Award winner and Chicago Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta to a minor league contract.

Arrieta is expected to be added to the active roster on Wednesday and start the series finale at Coors Field, the team announced.

Ken Rosenthal at The Athletic first reported the news of Arrieta joining the Padres, earlier on Monday.

Arrieta, 35, boasts a 5-11 record with a 6.88 ERA in 20 games this season with the Cubs, but brings experience and depth to an already-deep pitching staff. The move also comes at a very convenient time after starting pitcher Yu Darvish was sent to the 10-day injured list with lower back tightness.

The status of starting pitcher Dinelson Lamet is also in the air. He’s missed nearly two months of action with a hip injury, so this could signal that Lamet may not be fully ready to make a return.

As the Padres clench onto the NL’s second wild card spot by just 2.5 games, every game down the stretch is crucial and having an extra arm like Arrieta’s could be the difference between making and missing the playoffs.

What do you think about this move, GB community? Chime off in the comments section below.