CHICAGO CUBS ACE Jake Arrieta is unfazed by the performance-enhancing drugs talk surrounding him.
Arrieta threw his second career no-hitter in the Cubs’ win over the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday, leading to some raising questions of the 30-year-old.
His muscular physique led to claims the reigning National League Cy Young winner may have used performance-enhancing drugs, but Arrieta is not concerned about the accusations.
“It’s somewhat flattering, especially when some of those comments are coming from some of the best players in the game,” Arrieta said on Tuesday, via ESPN.
Arrieta, who is 4-0 with a 0.87 ERA this season, did not name any of the accusers, but said his team-mates have heard rumblings from other players.
“I think it’s funny,” Arrieta said.
I’ve always been in good shape. I just sucked early in my career from a statistical perspective. My body has always been very similar to how it is now. The results are different, so people want to question things. That’s the nature of sports.”
Supported by a rigorous workout routine, Arrieta also said he only eats healthy foods and would even like harsher penalties for steroid users.
“That’s something I’ve had a firm stance on for a long time,” Arrieta said.
“I remember being in Baltimore and talking to the older guys about how we can rid the game of people trying to cheat. A lot of steps have been taken in the right direction.”
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