Jake Arrieta leaning toward sitting out All-Star Game, agent says

SAN DIEGO -- After struggling in his last few starts before the break, National League Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta is leaning toward resting up for the second half and not pitching in Tuesday's All-Star Game, his agent, Scott Boras, confirmed Monday.

"We've scuffled the past couple weeks," Arrieta said Monday afternoon. "The break is coming at a really good time."

Arrieta is 12-4 with a 2.68 ERA but has been trending in the wrong direction, having pitched no more than six innings in each of his past five starts, including three that lasted less than six. Arrieta was passed over to start the game for the NL in favor of San Francisco Giants starter Johnny Cueto. Now he might not play in it at all.

"I'm not disappointed," Arrieta said of not being named the starter. "I'm realistic. My last three starts were poor."

Boras confirmed his client was thinking about sitting out the game. As of late Monday afternoon, NL manager Terry Collins wasn't aware of Arrieta's decision.

Last season, Arrieta admitted he was fatigued in the National League Championship Series, which was won by the New York Mets in four games. This year the Cubs are trying to keep him fresh for October -- taking Tuesday off falls in line with that strategy. Of course, the game could dictate a need for Arrieta as he'll be dressed and available for Collins either way.