Ross admits it was strange rooting for Lester, Cards
Cubs manager David Ross admitted having some strange feelings while watching former teammate Jon Lester collect his 200th career win on Monday while pitching for the St. Louis Cardinals.
“I did, I rooted for the red team yesterday. That felt really strange, but I'm really happy for Jon. That was special,” Ross said. “Definitely hoping he got it before he got to here. Definitely didn't want those kind of mixed emotions. “
Lester's last two starts of the season are scheduled to be against the Cubs — this Saturday at Wrigley Field and next Friday to kick off the final series of the regular season in St. Louis. So if Lester didn't win Monday against Milwaukee, he would have had two chances to record No. 200 against the Cubs.
“All the losses stink on my end, but it probably would have stunk a little bit worse if he would have got it here,” Ross said with a laugh. “But now we can really go all-in on kicking his butt. I'm happy for him, very happy.”
Heading into Tuesday's action, the Cardinals had won nine in a row and 11 of their last 12 to take control of the second wild card spot. In theory, the Cubs have a chance to play spoilers, but even if they win both series, it might not matter since St. Louis led the Reds by 3 games and San Diego by 4 on Tuesday morning.
Rivas to injured list:
Before Tuesday's game, the Cubs placed outfielder-first baseman Alfonso Rivas on the injured list with a right middle finger tendon injury, which means his season is likely over.
In 18 games with the Cubs, Rivas hit .318 with 1 home run and 3 RBI. He's probably someone the Cubs would like to hang onto, at least with a minor-league deal. The San Diego native was a fourth-round pick of Oakland in 2018 out of the University of Arizona and made his major-league debut this year.
Cubs notes:
The Cubs brought back Crystal Lake native Nick Martini, with Rivas going on the injured list. Martini was sent down to Iowa on Sunday. ... Pitcher Dillon Maples is not done with the Cubs yet. The right-hander, who was drafted by the Cubs in 2011, was designated for assignment over the weekend, but cleared waivers and is set to join the Iowa Cubs.
The Cubs can still finish with a winning home record for the eighth consecutive year by winning at least two of their final six at Wrigley this week. ... The Cubs started this series against the Twins with a 6-12 record against the AL this season. ... Trayce Thompson was the 64th player used by the Cubs this year, extending a franchise record, which had been 56 in 2013.