Cubs starter Jake Arrieta for Game 4 of NLDS

Cubs starter Jake Arrieta for Game 4 of NLDS

   The veteran right-hander hasn't pitched since Sept. 26 because of a hamstring issue but said Monday he has healed and he's set to face the Nationals in what will be an elimination game for one of the teams.

"Initially I wanted to get back out there as quick as I could (and I) probably came back a few days too early," Arrieta said before the Cubs faced the Nationals in Game 3 at Wrigley Field. "I had a slight setback but it really was fortunate to have a good amount of time in between my start in St. Louis and (Tuesday) to get ample time to recover. I had five or six days where I completely didn't do anything and allowed it to heal.