Cubs To Start Jon Lester In Game 1 Of NLDS, Kyle Hendricks In Game 2

(CBS) There were no surprises regarding the Cubs' postseason pitching rotation.

Chicago will start left-hander Jon Lester in Game 1 of the National League Divisional Series on Friday and follow up with right-hander Kyle Hendricks in Game 2 on Saturday, manager Joe Maddon announced Tuesday afternoon. Reigning Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta will pitch Game 3 next Monday, while right-hander John Lackey will follow in Game 4, if necessary.

The Cubs will face the winner of the Mets-Giants wild-card game that will be played Wednesday night.

Lester went 19-5 with a 2.44 ERA, the second-best mark in baseball behind Hendricks. He also had a 1.02 WHIP. Hendricks was 16-8 with an MLB-best 2.13 ERA and 0.98 WHIP.

Lester started twice against the Mets this season, being rocked in his worst outing of the season and throwing a gem as well. On July 3 at Citi Field, he allowed eight runs on nine hits in 1 1/3 innings. On July 18 at Wrigley Field, he tossed 7 2/3 innings of one-run, four-hit ball in a win.

Hendricks started once this season against the Mets, earning a win by throwing 6 1/3 scoreless innings.

Part of the thought process of starting Hendricks in Game 2 was his 1.32 ERA at Wrigley Field this season. He has a 2.95 ERA on the road.

Lester went 1-1 with a 4.63 ERA in 11 2/3 innings across two starts against the Giants this season. Hendricks took a loss in allowing one run in 5 1/3 innings in his lone start against the Giants.

Arrieta was 18-8 with a 3.10 ERA and 1.08 WHIP, while Lackey was 11-8 with a 3.35 ERA and 1.06 WHIP.