On Day 1 of the 2018 "playoffs," Jon Lester left no doubt about where he stands in this rotation for when the actual postseason rolls around.
Joe Maddon called Thursday the first day of the playoffs for his Cubs team as they attempt to fend off the fast-charging Brewers in a tense NL Central race.
And for Game 1 — as may be the case next week if the Cubs can hold on to the division — Maddon handed Lester the ball and the veteran lefty did what he does best: Put the team on his back in a crucial game.