Cubs announce Opening Day starter |
The Chicago Cubs won their first World Series since 1908 and one of the main reasons was the superb yet healthy starting pitching the team had on display throughout the season.
Joe Maddon announced on Thursday that Cy Young finalist Jon Lester will be the opening day starter for the Cubs against the St. Louis Cardinals in 2017. It will be the second opening day start for him with the Cubs and sixth overall. Lester had the second-lowest ERA in the league this past season at 2.44 and posted a quality start in all of his 15 starts at Wrigley Field this season. In 2016, Lester was 19-5 with a 2.44 ERA with 190 strikeouts and a 1.02 WHIP. He also has a streak of five seasons of 200+ innings and has done it eight of the last nine seasons. He was also named to the Babe Ruth 'Postseason MVP' Award at the Esurance BBWAA Awards for his postseason efforts in helping leading the Cubs to their World Series victory. Jake Arrieta will get the nod in game two of the regular season for the Cubs. Your #Cubs 2017 Opening Day starter: @JLester34! pic.twitter.com/U8YeYsfiu9 Video Description: Watch Joe Maddon announce his opening day starter.
