Arrieta gets fresh start in Game 4 vs. L.A.

The Chicago Cubs pitching staff came into the National League Championship Series tired and taxed from heavy usage in early October.

And then there is Jake Arrieta, the Cubs ace the past few seasons. Traditionally, a workhorse, Arrieta has pitched a total of 12 innings in the past six weeks, as the Cubs have nursed him back from a strained right hamstring. Making just two abbreviated starts down the stretch in September, Arrieta did not pitch again until Chicago's fourth postseason game. He will return to the mound Wednesday in Game 4 of the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers in what might well be his final start as a Cub.

“I think the leg issue is pretty much behind us,” Arrieta said. “I don't see it as being a factor anymore from this point.”

The upshot from Arrieta's absence is that he is as rested as any pitcher can hope to be in mid-October. Ranking fourth in the majors with 468⅓ combined regular-season and playoff innings from 2015-16, Arrieta threw just 168⅓ this summer, plus another four in the NL Division Series vs. Washington..

Red Sox

Boston designated hitter Hanley Ramirez and pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez are recovering from offseason surgical procedures. Team officials said Ramirez underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his left shoulder, and Rodriguez had ligament reconstruction in his right knee.