Chicago Cubs News: Joe Maddon tweaks starting rotation
After starting for the Chicago Cubs on Opening Day this past Sunday night against the St. Louis Cardinals, Jon Lester will start for the team in their home opener on Monday against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The first week of the Major League Baseball regular season has yet to conclude but Chicago Cubs‘ manager Joe Maddon has already tweaked the team’s starting rotation.
Maddon announced on Thursday that Jake Arrieta will start for the Cubs on Sunday in their weekend series’ finale against the Milwaukee Brewers. Arrieta was previously scheduled to start on Monday in the Cubs’ home opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Starting in place for the Cubs in their home opener will be Jon Lester.
Maddon explained that move simply made the most sense for the Cubs in their match-up against the Dodgers.
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"“It was just right in front of us,” Maddon said. “This was so obvious, we just couldn’t walk away from it.”"
The Dodgers struggled against left-handed pitching last season. The Dodgers’ offense was last in Major League Baseball in terms of OPS against left-handed pitchers. With Lester starting on Monday, the Cubs will have two left-handed starting pitchers going against the Dodgers next week. Veteran Brett Anderson is also scheduled to start against the Dodgers.
Anderson has is scheduled to make his Cubs’ debut on Monday against the Milwaukee Brewers. Meanwhile, Lester started for the Cubs in their season-opener against the Cardinals last Sunday. Lester got a no-decision in his start last Sunday as he held the Cardinals to one run in five innings pitched.
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The Chicago Cubs’ home opener is Monday, April 10 at Wrigley Field against the Los Angeles Dodgers.