The major league education of Willson Contreras continues Saturday as the Cubs' prized rookie will start at catcher for left-hander Jon Lester.
Manager Joe Maddon said Wednesday that the rookie will replace David Ross, who was put on the seven-day disabled list because of concussion-like symptoms after taking a foul tip off his face mask in Tuesday's loss to the Reds.
Contreras got the nod over veteran left-handed hitter Miguel Montero, who handled Lester when Ross missed parts of last season. But the Cubs are scheduled to face left-hander Francisco Liriano on Saturday so Contreras could give the offense more power while working with Lester in what could be a future battery.
"It's another dream come true," said Contreras, who was promoted from Triple-A Iowa on June 18 and has played left field, first base and catcher because of his offense. "(Lester) has been in the big leagues for a lot of years and has thrown a no-hitter. It means a lot to me."
Contreras caught Lester's bullpen session before Wednesday game and said he plans to talk to Ross on Thursday about a game plan for Lester.
Lester, who was named to the National League All-Star team on Tuesday, declined to talk after throwing his bullpen session.
Infielder Tommy La Stella took Ross' roster spot.
