Lester says his pickoff move still a work in progress

For lack of a better term, there was a whole lot of "noise" surrounding Thursday's start by Cubs lefty Jon Lester.

The Milwaukee Brewers stole four bases while Lester was on the mound in the third inning, as their runners took huge leads, knowing Lester's aversion to throwing to bases.

When Lester did attempt a pickoff throw, he threw it away for an error.

But for all that noise, the Brewers came up with just 1 run in that inning, and Lester came away pretty much unscathed although he did run his pitch count to 105 over 6 innings in a 9-2 Cubs victory.

"What you have to do is focus on the hitter," said manager Joe Maddon, who also praised the work of veteran catcher David Ross. "You get the out. And David Ross, believe me, folks, he does a great job of controlling all that. Look at his trips to the mound. Look at him throwing out runners.

"Jonny was really good, but don't underestimate the importance of what Rossie did out there today."

It's an old topic for Lester.

"We all know what's going on here," he said. "I've got to do a better job. I tried to pick over today. Felt good about it. Wasn't a bad, terrible throw … Continue to improve."

On the mound, Lester struck out 10, giving him four double-digit strikeout games this year and 24 for his career. He became the first Cubs left-hander in franchise history with four double-digit strikeout games in one season.

Maddon ponders DH:

The Cubs will get to use the designated hitter this weekend in three games against the White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field.

Joe Maddon said he'd likely go with either Kyle Schwarber of Miguel Montero as DH against right-hander Jeff Samardzija in Friday's series opener. The Cubs will go with a largely left-handed hitting lineup in that game.

The White Sox will throw lefties Jose Quintana and Chris Sale at the Cubs Friday and Saturday, respectively, so the Cubs will go with a different look, with Starlin Castro likely to get a start or even two at second base.

Castro, who has lost his starting job at shortstop, came up with a pinch-hit single Thursday.

Getting it done:

Leadoff man Dexter Fowler walked twice, doubled and homered. Fowler has drawn 26 walks in his last 25 games. His on-base percentage is up to .339. At the all-star break, it was .308.

"I'm playing the same game," he said. "Same mindset. It's just some things are going my way."