Epstein fuming over PED accusations toward Arrieta

Theo Epstein has Jake Arrieta's back and he made sure to stand up for the Chicago Cubs ace on Thursday after comments were made about the pitcher potentially using performance-enhancing drugs.

"I saw the clip of essentially an accusation on the ESPN morning show," Epstein told ESPN 1000 in Chicago, according to Jesse Rogers. "I found it to be completely reckless.

"It's someone who has never met Jake, as far as I know, has never been in our clubhouse. I don't know if he's ever watched him pitch. (He) would make that type of accusation without talking to anyone who knows Jake and anyone who understands his work ethic and changes that he's made."

Arrieta responded to analyst Stephen A. Smith on Twitter on Wednesday, after Smith drew upon poor performances from Arrieta's past as evidence of why he shouldn't laugh off PED accusations.

Smith revisited and clarified his initial comments on "First Take" on Thursday.

"I was just saying it's not a laughing matter when we're talking about the history of baseball," Smith said on the program. "I wasn't convicting him of anything because I don't know. I barely get to see him all the time."

The entire situation stems from comments made by Arrieta, who referred to players questioning whether he's been taking steroids as "idiots."

Arrieta brushed off the comments and situation with Smith by tossing five innings of one-run ball against the Milwaukee Brewers later Thursday, allowing his first run at home since July 25.