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Lester working to improve fielding skills

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Jon Lester's defensive skills have been well-documented. Last year, he ended a streak of 66 straight games in which he did not throw to first by doing so, but he overthrew Anthony Rizzo for an error on the play. How often does the Cubs pitcher work on his defense?

"Every day," Lester said. "Every day."

And he'll probably be on a back field on Friday after Thursday's 10-8 loss to the Mariners.

The Mariners kept Lester busy in the left-hander's first spring start. Luis Sardinas was safe on a bunt single in the first, and Robinson Cano followed with a comebacker that Lester fielded and threw underhand to Taylor Davis at first for the out.