Cubs’ Jake Arrieta calls PED accusations ‘flattering’

Chicago Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta called accusations of performance-enhancing drug use “flattering.”

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Chicago Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta said he feels flattered by accusations of performance-enhancing drug use in wake of his success.

Arrieta is the National League’s reigning Cy Young winner, and earlier this season he threw the second no-hitter of his career.

“It's somewhat flattering, especially when some of those comments are coming from some of the best players in the game,” Arietta told reporters Tuesday about steroid accusations. Arrieta said he has heard from teammates that opposing players are questioning the pitcher’s dominance.

Arietta is 4–0 so far this season with a 0.87 ERA. Including last season, Arrieta is 20–1 in his last 24 starts with a 0.86 ERA.

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“I know I've never taken any shortcuts and never intend to,” Arrieta said. He will make his next start Wednesday against the Brewers.