Lackey, Arrieta flipped for series in Houston

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MILWAUKEE — Jake Arrieta was originally scheduled to start on Saturday but will be given an extra day and go Sunday in the Cubs’ series finale against the Astros. He’ll flip with right-hander John Lackey, who will start Saturday on regular rest.

“It’s just to break up [Jon] Lester and Jake,” Chicago manager Joe Maddon said Wednesday. “It was strategical because we could.”

Lester (15-4, 2.61 ERA) will open the Cubs’ Interleague series against the Astros on Friday.

Arrieta, who will be vying for his 17th win, has averaged 101 pitches in his last eight starts, and topped 100 pitches in two outings in which he lasted 5 2/3 innings. He is 4-2 record with a 3.42 ERA and four quality starts in his last eight games.

• Speaking of rest, first baseman Anthony Rizzo was able to talk his way into playing Wednesday night in the Cubs’ series finale against the Brewers. Hitting two home runs on Tuesday helped his case. Granted, Rizzo was facing Wily Peralta and has hit seven home runs off the right-hander, his highest …

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