Chicago Cubs: John Lackey makes NLDS roster, Hector Rondon does not

Chicago Cubs Postseason: John Lackey makes the roster

In a move that is sure to turn some heads, John Lackey was included on the roster. Lackey is not slated to start any games during the series which means he will be used primarily out of the bullpen.

The only problem with using Lackey out of the bullpen is the fact that he has made only two regular season appearances out of the pen in his career. In those two appearances, Lackey is 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA.

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What could be a more likely option for Lackey is starting Game 4. Right now, Jake Arrieta is scheduled to make the start, but with a lingering hamstring injury, there is a possibility the right-hander won’t make the start. Even if Arrieta takes the mound in Game 4, he may not be able to make it through the third or fourth inning, meaning Lackey would have to provide multiple innings of relief.

Mixed bag, strong second half

Lackey took a step back this season after posting a solid 2016 campaign. In 31 games (30 starts), Lackey went 12-12 with a 4.59 ERA and 149 strikeouts in 170 2/3 innings pitched. What really plagued Lackey this season was the amount of home runs he gave up. The 38-year-old gave up 36 home runs this season, averaging more than one per start.

Whatever Lackey’s role this postseason, he will come prepared. The veteran has an extensive postseason record that spans 26 appearances (23 starts). In those games, Lackey has posted an 8-6 record with a 3.27 ERA and 111 strikeouts in 140 1/3 innings pitched. While Lackey has made three postseason appearances out of the bullpen, the last one came in 2013 as a member of the Boston Red Sox.