(670 The Score) As expected, the Cubs have named left-hander Jon Lester their Opening Day starter, manager Joe Maddon said Monday.
Lester will get the ball when Chicago starts its regular season at Texas on March 28. It will mark the fourth time in five years that Lester will start for the Cubs in their opener, as he also did so in 2015, 2017 and 2018.
"These are the kind of moments for starting pitchers, they relish," Maddon said. "They like to be that guy. And Jonny has earned it.
"He's been spectacular. He's been our rock. He's been our rock out there."
Lester was 18-6 with a 3.32 ERA and 1.31 WHIP last season. He has generally struggled in his three previous Opening Day starts for the Cubs that date back to 2015, with an 0-1 mark and a 4.98 ERA.
Lester was
"It's always a huge honor," Lester said. "I always go back to the organization and the guys that have started Opening Days here before. To be entrusted with that a couple times here and other places, it's just a huge honor to have that on your shoulders and try to get your team off to a good start."
The rest of the Cubs' rotation order has yet to be determined.
