Lester unlikely to pitch in all-star game after Cubs juggle rotation
SAN FRANCISCO — The Chicago Cubs adjusted their rotation for this weekend’s series against the San Diego Padres, making it unlikely that ace Jon Lester will pitch in Major League Baseball’s all-star game.
The Cubs, mindful that they have only three days off for the all-star break, moved up Kyle Hendricks’ turn from Sunday to Saturday night, pushing Lester to Sunday.
Lester could still make himself available to pitch an inning in the all-star game, but it now seems doubtful that he will pitch.
Hendricks likely will open the second half against the St. Louis Cardinals on July 19 at Wrigley Field, though manager Joe Maddon said the Cubs continue to assess their options.
“We wanted to be aware of everybody with the shorter break,” Maddon said before Wednesday’s game in San Francisco.
“And so we decided to set it up that way. We feel like Kyle is probably in the best position out of anybody.
“Having the day off (Thursday) permitted a lot of this to occur.
“We’ve been thinking about this and decided to set it up that way.”
Lester is 11-2 with a 2.45 ERA and has thrown a team-high 1061/3 innings, one more than Hendricks.
The Cubs also will need a sixth starter shortly after the all-star break as they will play 12 games in 11 days.