Chicago Cubs: Five players that must step up in second half

More of Lester

Just when you thought Jon Lester turned the corner on the season, he allowed 10 runs in just two-thirds of an inning. It was not all his fault, given the errors made by teammates, but the results is just a microcosm of his season.

The first inning is Lester’s Achilles Heel, so to speak. So far this season, he allowed 22 runs in the opening frame, including six home runs. Opponents are hitting .338 against him in the first inning.

Get him to the fifth inning, and his ERA drops to 1.06 for that one inning. However, the fourth inning is almost as bad as the first.

Traditionally, the first inning has been Lester’s worst in his career. The last time he posted a cumulative ERA above four was the 4.82 of 2011. While he only allowed 21 runs in that inning all season, batters hit .309 against him. Also, the fourth inning was the worst for him that season, with an ERA of 6.75.

What is causing the issue? The pressure to repeat? Possibly. Feeling the need to carry the rotation? I can see that.

Whatever it is, we need more of Jon Lester and less of what we have seen this season.