CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs began prep work for their return trip to the NLCS on Thursday as they attempt to make it to the World Series for the first time since 1945.
Manager Joe Maddon declared Jon Lester his Game 1 starter for Saturday night but stopped short of announcing Kyle Hendricks (forearm contusion) ready for Game 2, though the righty threw under the watchful eye of pitching coach Chris Bosio on Thursday.
"Boz said he felt good today so we're in good shape," Maddon said. "Just making sure Kyle is healthy.