Freeze frame: ‘Pen stays put for Arrieta’s no-no

CINCINNATI — Adam Warren sat down in the visitors’ bullpen at Great American Ball Park on Thursday and did not move. For nine innings, the Cubs reliever stayed in the same seat. He didn’t get up to stretch or get a glass of water or take a bathroom break.

“After four, five innings, I was like, ‘I’m not moving until he gives up a hit,'” Warren said. “And he didn’t, so I stayed there the whole time.”

Last Thursday, Jake Arrieta threw his second career no-hitter in the Cubs’ 16-0 win over the Reds, and the relievers did their part to help the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner, even if none of them threw a pitch.

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“You don’t want to do anything to jinx it,” Warren said. “I’m usually not that superstitious, but I’d never seen anything like that. You don’t want to do anything that could possibly mess it up.”

Fans who get upset when broadcasters talk about the possibility of a no-hitter on air during a game will be happy to know that none of the Cubs’ relievers will mention it.

“You do not say anything at all about it,” Justin Grimm said. “That’s the oldest rule in the book. When [the Reds’ Brandon] Finnegan had the no-hitter, it was different. It’s like, ‘Hey, guys, this guy has a perfect game.’ Then, he walks a guy, and it’s like, ‘Hey, this guy as a no-hitter.'”

It’s up to the Cubs’ relievers to pay attention and react accordingly. Grimm was totally unaware Arrieta had a no-no on Aug. 30 at Dodger …

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