Success for Cubs’ Jake Arrieta versus Mets may come down to the count

1:34 AM ET

CHICAGO — What better way for Chicago Cubs ace Jake Arrieta to start the second half than against his nemesis, the New York Mets. When last we saw Arrieta, he was struggling with his command and a rising ERA, but then came 10 days between starts that even included rest at the All-Star Game, which he asked not to pitch in. Now, finally, he takes the mound in another one of those playoff-type previews, facing Noah Syndergaard on Tuesday night.

“Stuff-wise is pretty close,” Cubs manager Joe Maddon said Monday. “Almost the same. … Confidence issue right now.”

It’s hard to imagine Arrieta with a confidence problem considering his demeanor both on and off the field. He usually exudes confidence, but giving up 15 runs in his past three starts, to go along with a string of other un-Arrieta-like performances, has taken its toll. It’s still not completely clear why he’s struggling, but Maddon knows when it’s happening.

After not pitching in last Tuesday’s All-Star Game, Cubs ace Jake Arrieta said that he’s well rested for Tuesday’s start against the Mets. Charles LeClaire/USA TODAY Sports

“That 1-1 count is a significant moment in the game for a pitcher,” Maddon said. “Just check out the numbers when 1-1 goes to 2-1 or goes to 1-2. OPS is incredibly different.”

Maddon must have done the checking …

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