Arrieta to miss 1-2 starts with hamstring strain

The Chicago Cubs dodged a major bullet Tuesday, as an MRI revealed right-hander Jake Arrieta is dealing with a Grade 1 hamstring strain and will miss just one or two starts, per ESPN's Jesse Rogers.

Right-hander John Lackey will start on Friday in the series opener against the Milwaukee Brewers, followed by Mike Montgomery and Kyle Hendricks.

"(For the injury) to happen in April, May I think it would be more of an issue," Arrieta told reporters after Tuesday's game, per Mike Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune.

"Taking five or six days off from throwing is something I have done multiple times this late in the season anyways. So as far as arm strength goes, I think it might even help a little bit, so that's not something that's going to affect me coming back when I do. That's definitely in our favor."

Arrieta left Monday's start in discomfort after pitching only 2 1/3 innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was charged with three earned runs (on two home runs) and four hits.

Any long-term injury would've been a major blow to the Cubs' rotation, as the veteran was pitching at an elite level prior to his injury. In his last 12 starts, Arrieta limited hitters to a .191/.266/.335 slash line and posted a 2.01 ERA with 64 strikeouts.