Cardinals Set Pitching Rotation For NLDS Against Cubs
(CBS) We know Game 1 of the NLDS between the Cubs and Cardinals on Friday will feature Jon Lester (11-12, 3.34 ERA) opposing John Lackey (13-10, 2.77).
Now we know the rest of St. Louis' rotation.
The Cardinals will start left-hander Jaime Garcia (10-6, 2.43) in Game 2 on Saturday, right-hander Michael Wacha (17-7, 3.38) in Game 3 on Monday and right-hander Lance Lynn (12-11, 3.03) in Game 4 on Tuesday, if needed, according to St. Louis Post-Dispatch writer Derrick Goold.
Garcia's been especially strong at home, going 5-2 with a 1.70 ERA at Busch Stadium. Wacha struggled in September, going 2-3 with a 7.88 ERA in 24 innings.
The Cubs haven't announced their starters after Lester, though it's nearly a certainty that ace Jake Arrieta will pitch Game 3 Monday. That would give him a normal four days of rest.
Cubs manager Joe Maddon may reveal his Game 2 starter later Thursday after the Cubs finish a workout in St. Louis.
The Cardinals also confirmed that All-Star catcher Yadier Molina will be on the NLDS roster. He hasn't played since straining a ligament in his left thumb while tagging out the Cubs' Anthony Rizzo at the plate in a game on Sept. 20. He'll wear a splint to protect the thumb.
The Cardinals roster includes four rookies — outfielder Randal Grichuk, outfielder-first baseman Stephen Piscotty, outfielder Tommy Pham and infielder Greg Garcia. Grichuk is expected to start in right field in Game 1, while Piscotty is likely to be at first.
Right-hander Adam Wainwright will also be on the roster for St. Louis after missing most of the season with an Achilles tear. He'll serve as a one-inning reliever most likely. He's allowed one earned run in three innings since returning Sept. 30.
The Cardinals left first baseman Matt Adams off the roster after he returned late in the season from a torn quadriceps. Relievers Randy Choate and Steve Cishek and infielder Pete Kozma were also left off the roster.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
