Jon Lester gave the Chicago Cubs six strong innings on Sunday to help them win Game 5 of the World Series, but that does not mean his work for the series is done.
Lester threw just 90 pitches on Sunday and had Monday off, so he will be in the bullpen as an option for Joe Maddon in Games 6 and 7 (if necessary). Maddon shared the news when speaking with the media during Monday’s off day.
Lester def in the bullpen, per Maddon, but doesn't mean he'll be used. It's an option
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) October 31, 2016
Lester said in an interview with FOX’s Ken Rosenthal after Game 5 that he would be available for the rest of the series.
“I’m sure I’ll be down in that bullpen at some point,” Lester told Rosenthal. “I’m always available. I’ll be available Game 6. Whether Joe likes it or not, I’ll be down there. This time of year, you have to let the offseason be the offseason.
“We’re fighting and we’re clawing … all hands on deck. We’ll figure it out as we go. We got a lot of really good bullpen guys, so I don’t want to take anything away from them. But if they need me, I’ll have my spikes on.”
Lester hasn’t pitched out of the bullpen since 2007, but as he said, when it’s the World Series, all hands are on deck.
