Chicago Cubs shutout by Padres; Jon Lester struggles in start

Padres shutout Cubs, Lester struggles; Roster cut down from 61 to 53

Everybody has a bad day now and then. Even the Chicago Cubs’

. In the Cubs 7-0 loss to the San Diego Padres, Lester surrendered six run in 3 1/3 innings pitched–by far his worst outing since joining the Cubs. But even if he allowed one, the day wouldn’t have ended any differently, as the Cubs failed to push across any runs in the loss.

The Cubs made their first round of roster cuts on Monday, slicing the spring roster from 61 to 53. There were no surprises on the list–most notable was infielder Christian Villanueva and catcher Rafael Lopez were optioned to Triple-A Iowa, while the other six were sent to minor league camp.

With the recent string of injuries to the New York Mets pitching staff, could they be calling the Cubs soon on the services of Travis Wood or Edwin Jackson? Chances are no, as the Mets are very deep in pitching, and are unlikely to give up young prospects for two pitchers coming off of down years.

The Phillies Cliff Lee was place on the 60-day DL, and will attempt to rehab in what could be his final chance to play baseball again. Lee has said he won’t pitch in pain, and if surgery is the end result, he may have thrown his final pitch in a fine MLB career.

Those stories and others you may have missed:

‘Jon Lester hammered as Padres shutout Cubs’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Cubs’ spring roster reduced to 53 players’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Phillies Lee lands on 60-day DL, will try rehab’ – MLB.com

‘Could the Mets be interested in Cubs’ pitching?’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Reds move Tony Cingrani to bullpen’ – Blog Red Machine

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