Chicago Cubs: Who would be the No. 3 starter in the playoffs?

Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

The Cubs are looking to decide who the No. 3 starter will be, so why shouldn’t we?

I’m not trying to get ahead of myself here. The Chicago Cubs still have a few games left and then we have the Wild Card playoff game to even get us to this point in the conversation. That being said, the discussions are being had behind the scenes for the Cubs, so we’ll engage in it a bit as well. It’s a lock that Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester are the top two–no matter who the option is to pitch the Wild Card showdown. But after that, should the Cubs advance, who goes third?

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Theories have run rampant on this, but I think it really comes down to the three H’s. Kyle Hendricks, Jason Hammel, and Dan Haren. In July, I knew the answer to this without hesitation. Now it’s a much trickier question. As of late, all three have rebounded to make valid cases for the opportunity. Discussion has also been had that Joe Maddon may consider a “bullpen” start. While possible, we’re going to stick with these three as one will be the most likely answer.

So with a week till the Wild Card game, we take a mini peek ahead to who may be the Cubs No. 3 should they advance to the NL Divisional round.

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