Cubs place Arrieta on release waivers, Contreras on IL

The Chicago Cubs placed right-hander Jake Arrieta on unconditional release waivers Thursday, severing ties with the former Cy Young winner, the team announced.

The Cubs also placed catcher Willson Contreras on the 10-day injured list with a sprained right knee.

Arrieta posted a 6.88 ERA over 20 starts this season, which marked his second stint with the Cubs. The 35-year-old won the Cy Young with Chicago in 2015 and helped the club win its first World Series since 1908 the next year.

Arrieta made his final start Wednesday, giving up eight earned runs over four innings in a loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. He hadn't survived five innings in any of his last five outings and hadn't pitched through six frames since June 14.

Arrieta enjoyed success with the Cubs from 2013-17, when he seemingly mastered the cross-body delivery. He's seen his ERA rise steadily since he won the Cy Young, though, struggling over the last three years.

Jake Arrieta ERA by season: 2015-21

*Cy Young season

Contreras is slashing .226/.333/.417 this season, and is one of the few remaining players from the Cubs' championship team.

In corresponding moves, the Cubs reinstated catcher Austin Romine from the 60-day injured list, purchased the contract of minor-league pitcher Ryan Meisinger, and designated pitcher Kyle Ryan for assignment.