Cubs Scratch Jon Lester From Wednesday Start Due to Illness
By Kevin Aquino
Chicago Cubs pitcher Jon Lester (illness) will no longer start against the San Francisco Giants, with Tyler Chatwood slated to take his place.
The news came out of nowhere, but Lester isn't expected to miss extended time.
Chatwood now starting for #Cubs today as Jon Lester down with bronchitis
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 24, 2019
The five-time All-Star reportedly has bronchitis and will sit out today's game. Lester has posted a 4-2 record and 43 strikeouts with a 4.35 ERA in his last seven starts.
Chatwood has started two of his last seven games with a 7.02 ERA. Having only started 3 of his 21 games this season, the Cubs have to hope Chatwood has stayed ready to step in. The 29-year-old hurler should be ready to do so, as he started 20 out of 24 games with Chicago last season.
Jon Lester has been scratched from his start due to illness. Here is today's #Cubs lineup.
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 24, 2019
Stream on @NBCSChicago: https://t.co/rGCuW1XI7C pic.twitter.com/iYevxEPl1u
There's no timetable for Lester's return, but the hope is that his illness will be resolved by this weekend's series in Milwaukee.
The Cubs are currently in first place in the NL Central, but are only 0.5 game ahead of the Cardinals. The Brewers aren't far either, only two games behind first and can take advantage if the Cubs slip this week.