What’s the deal with Jake Arrieta’s elbow? Is he good to pitch? Does he need surgery for the bone spur issue we only recently learned about?

Phillies manager Gabe Kapler offered an update during his weekly appearance on the 94 WIP morning show:

“Jake’s elbow is limiting his ability to get into certain positions. He’s having a harder time getting extended the way he normally does, especially on that curve ball. This is limiting his ability to throw the ball where he wants to throw it. All of that said, Jake is a competitor, and for the Phillies, it’s always worth considering if Jake at 85% of himself is a better option than what we have at Triple-A. And finally, I think this is an important note in answering this question; it’s not terribly uncommon for veteran pitchers to successfully pitch with issues like this one. So as of now, Jake will make his start for us against the Nationals and we’re going to support him.”

Angelo Cataldi asked if the Phillies will have “clarity” on Arrieta’s long term ability, to which Kapler replied, after the jump:

“Yeah, we’ll get some scans and we’ll take a look. I think what will give us the best indication is how he feels in his next start.”

RE: Arrieta’s comments about putting a “dent” in Todd Frazier’s skull, Kapler said that baseball can get “heated” and “emotional” –

Jake was incredibly upset when he asked that question. I think that came out in his answer. I’m guessing that if you asked him that same question right now he’d answer it in a different way.

Here’s the full audio of the appearance: