CHICAGO _ Cubs starter Jon Lester likely is headed to the 10-day injured list after experiencing left hamstring tightness.
Manager Joe Maddon said on his weekly radio show on WSCR-AM 670 that Lester would miss one or two starts after being pulled in the third inning Monday against the Pirates.
No formal announcements were expected Tuesday, but a source said the team wanted to take a conservative approach given Lester's value to the team.
Lester's next start was scheduled for Sunday against the Angels. But placing Lester on the IL would allow him to return as soon as April 19 against the Diamondbacks and perhaps miss only one start.
Lester, 35, said he felt discomfort while running the bases in the second inning. Lester slid into second base on an RBI double and was forced to slide at home plate to score on a single by Ben Zobrist.
Lester said he never experienced leg issues prior to Monday.
Tyler Chatwood could be a candidate to take Lester's start on Sunday.
