Jake Arrieta assigned to minors while getting in shape for debut

ATLANTA -- Phillies pitcher Jake Arrieta has been assigned to Class A Clearwater while working into shape for his debut.

Since the 2015 NL Cy Young Award winner got a late start in spring training, finalizing a $75 million, three-year deal March 12, he will stay in Florida to pitch simulated games before making his first start for Philadelphia on April 8.

The Phillies will go with four starters until Arrieta is ready to pitch.

Arrieta has started two spring training games for the Phillies, giving up 10 hits, two homers and six runs in five innings. The 32-year-old went 14-10 with a 3.53 ERA last season with the Chicago Cubs.

The Phillies placed three players on the 10-day disabled list: right-handers Jerad Eickhoff (right lat strain), Tommy Hunter (right hamstring strain) and Mark Leiter Jr. (right forearm strain), all retroactive to March 26.

Philadelphia opened the season Thursday against the Atlanta Braves.