Kapler: Arrieta to continue pitching, Phils will monitor

The Philadelphia Phillies will continue to use right-hander Jake Arrieta despite a bone spur in his right arm, manager Gabe Kapler said Wednesday. The Phillies' medical staff will continue to evaluate Arrieta, Kapler said in a local radio interview on SportsRadio 94WIP, and monitor his long-term health.

Arrieta is currently scheduled to start Friday's game against the Washington Nationals. Arrieta last pitched on Saturday in a 6-5 loss to the New York Mets, giving up six runs (five earned) on 11 hits in 4 1/3 innings. He took the loss, sending his record to 8-7 with a 4.67 ERA.

"Physically, I'm not in a great spot," Arrieta said afterward. "I think we'll have a better idea over the next couple of days where I'm at." Arrieta also hit three batters during the game and was frustrated in the locker room.

The 33-year-old Arrieta had surgery for a bone spur in his arm late in the 2011 season and was ready in time for the start of the following season.