Hammel slated to start for Cubs in Game 4
Maddon doesn't want to push Lester on short rest, though that 'could always change'
CHICAGO -- Jason Hammel is still slated to start Game 4 of the National League Championship Series for the Cubs, manager Joe Maddon said on Monday.
"We're going to play it straight as of right now," Maddon said of the rotation. "To push Jon to that point, I don't think we want to do that. We refrained from doing that in the previous round and it played out pretty well, so we'll do it again. We could always change but as of right now, we're not thinking [about Lester starting] at all."
The Mets lead the best-of-seven NLCS 2-0, with Game 3 scheduled for Tuesday at Wrigley Field (air time 7:30 p.m. ET, game time 8 p.m. ET on TBS). Kyle Hendricks will start for the Cubs, while the Mets will counter with Jacob deGrom. :: NLCS: Cubs vs. Mets -- Tune-in info ::
Hammel did not get a decision in Game 4 of the NL Division Series, and he was pulled after three innings against the Cardinals. Even though Hammel is penciled in, he will be available in relief for Game 3 if needed.
The Cubs do not want to bring Jon Lester back on short rest. The lefty started Game 1 on Saturday and threw 107 pitches over 6 2/3 innings.
This will be Hammel's fifth postseason start, and first in the LCS. He is 0-1 with a 5.00 ERA in his career, including this season.