Cubs feeling more optimistic about Jake Arrieta’s blister

MESA, Ariz. — Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta is expected to throw a bullpen Sunday after leaving Thursday’s game with a blister on his right thumb, and manager Joe Maddon sounded more optimistic the injury would prove to be minor.

“We’ll see how it plays out,” he said Saturday. “The trainer, P.J. (Mainville), feels very strongly that he’s going to be fine. Also, he thought it was a lot better almost immediately the next day.”

Arrieta would then line up to start a game Tuesday.

“Let’s just see what happens,” Maddon said. “Like I said when it original happened, not to jump to any conclusions. Just play it all the way through. As of right now it seems to be pretty good.”

Maddon’s tone seemed more optimistic than the day before, when he admitted the blister could affect his status to start the season.

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