The 2016 MLB Playoffs officially get underway on Tuesday night beginning with the AL Wild Card Round.
While the two Wild Card rounds play out, the Chicago Cubs held a practice including a simulated game at Wrigley Field on Tuesday. The Cubs are awaiting the winner of the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets in the NLDS which will begin on Friday.
When that game happens, it will be Jon Lester taking the mound for the Cubs.
Manager Joe Maddon officially announced his rotation for the upcoming NLDS which will feature Lester in Game 1 and then Kyle Hendricks in Game 2 at home on Saturday.
Game 3 will be started by last season’s NL Cy Young Award winner Jake Arrieta. If the series goes to a fourth game, it will be the veteran John Lackey getting the start.
Maddon announces #Cubs rotation for NLDS: Lester, Hendricks, Arrieta, Lackey.
— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) October 4, 2016
It’s not really a surprise that Hendricks gets Game 2. He’s been great at home this season, posting a 9-2 record with a 1.32 ERA. On the road, he’s 7-6 with a 2.95 ERA making the decision an easy one for Maddon.
Then there’s Arrieta.
The right-hander will pitch in a big game for the Cubs regardless of what the series will be. He could have the chance to win the series, give the Cubs a 2-1 lead or worst case scenario save their season if they are in a 0-2 hole.
Lester would presumably get the Game 5 start at Wrigley Field on Thursday, Oct. 13 if it were to go that far.
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