CHICAGO _ Manager Joe Maddon said the Cubs hadn't discussed their rotation for a potential National League Championship Series before losing Game 4 of the NL Division Series, and his decisions Wednesday leave him with few choices.
With left-hander Jon Lester throwing 32/3 innings and 55 pitches Wednesday, that leaves left-hander Jose Quintana as the Game 1 starter Saturday night against the Dodgers _ only if Kyle Hendricks can help the Cubs to a deciding victory Thursday night in Game 5 of the NLDS at Nationals Park.
Lester retired 10 consecutive batters in relief of Jake Arrieta on Wednesday.
Maddon is aware the Dodgers are less vulnerable against left-handed pitching than they were last season.
"They've gotten a lot better," he said.
The Dodgers were 33-15 in games against left-handed starters this season and batted six points higher against lefties (.253) than right-handers. In 2016, they batted .214 against lefties and .264 against righties.
Should the Cubs advance, John Lackey would be available to pitch Game 2.
