The Cubs got a great pitching performance from their staff Wednesday afternoon, as Tyler Chatwood was a last-minute replacement for the ill Jon Lester. Chatwood only allowed one run in four innings on short notice, while Kyle Ryan, Rowan Wick, Pedro Strop, Brandon Kintzler and Craig Kimbrel combined for five shutout innings. The Cubs won 4-1 to salvage a game in San Francisco.
The Cubs had the option to skip Lester in the rotation, as they have an off day Thursday, but instead Joe Maddon has shuffled up the rotation after Lester was a late scratch Wednesday.
Jose Quintana and Kyle Hendricks were lined up to pitch the first two games against the Brewers this weekend, but now Hendricks will start the series opener. Lester will go on Saturday and Quintana gets pushed back to Sunday.
There was some speculation this week that Cole Hamels could have made his return to the rotation on Sunday. He's been out since June 28, with an oblique strain and after a couple bullpen sessions Hamels made a rehab assignment Tuesday at Triple-A.
But now that the rotation has shifted, Hamels will get a couple extra days before returning if he feels good these next few days. Hamels could return against the Cardinals in St. Louis next week.
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