Jake Arrieta allowed five runs on eight hits and three walks in five innings of work on Friday, taking a no-decision in Baltimore's loss to the Indians. He struck out four and served up two home runs, a two-run shot to Asdrubal Cabrera in the third and another to Grady Sizemore in the fifth. The poor outing balloons Arrieta's ERA to 5.10 while pushing his WHIP to 1.44. He's a below average spot-starting option in mixed leagues.

Jake Arrieta was unable to make it through five innings Thursday, allowing five runs - four earned - on six hits and four walks over 4 1/3 innings in a loss to the Red Sox. A pair of home runs - a three-run shot by Dustin Pedroia and a solo blast by Adrian Gonzalez - provided most of the damage. Arrieta has now given up 10 runs - nine earned - over 9 1/3 innings in his two starts since he revealed that he's still dealing with a bone spur in his pitching elbow. Whether or not the injury has contributed to his struggles isn't known, but it wouldn't shock us if he eventually winds up on the DL if his problems continue. He finishes the first half with a 4.90 ERA and 1.40 WHIP.

Jake Arrieta returned to action on Saturday July 2.

Although he said Sunday's bullpen session went well, Jake Arrieta (elbow) will have his start pushed back from Wednesday to Saturday. It's probably the wise thing to do. With an off day Monday, the Orioles can play it safe with Arrieta and just move the rest of their starters up a day. Chris Jakubauskas will now start Wednesday against the Cardinals. The right-hander will hope to take the mound Saturday against the Braves in what would be his first start since June 20.

Jake Arrieta (elbow) is slated to throw a light side session Friday. He'll throw a bit more intensely on Saturday. Assuming all goes well over the next two days, Arrieta will make his next scheduled start Wednesday against the Cardinals.

Jake Arrieta is dealing with right elbow inflammation, which is related to the bone spur issues that he had problems with last season. He originally was planning on having the spur removed over the offseason but ultimately decided against it, a decision he probably wishes he could take back. It's something Arrieta has pitched with since high school, so it's not a major concern, but he'll probably have to get it taken care of eventually. Arrieta isn't likely to need a trip to the disabled list, but he'll almost surely have his next start, which had been scheduled for Sunday, pushed back a few days. Jeremy Guthrie is now likely to start Sunday.

Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com writes that Jake Arrieta could be pushed back or skipped in the starting rotation. Arrieta's velocity was down in last night's win over the Pirates and Orioles manager Buck Showalter said that he was "working through some things." Assuming that means something physical, the smart move may be to take advantage of two upcoming scheduled off-days.