Is it time to worry about the Chicago Cubs starting rotation?

Chicago Cubs: Team’s 35-year old lefty has had ups and downs

Hopefully his last start against the Atlanta Braves at Wrigley last week was a good sign of things to come for Jon Lester. After a great first month of the season which he pitched to a 2.37 ERA and 1.2 WHIP in four starts, he has had an ERA above 4.25 in both May and June.

The last seven starts he made before his gem against Atlanta, he gave up 30 earned runs in 37 2/3 innings (7.17 ERA) with batters posting a 1.000 OPS against him. That’s hardly what the Cubs need from their seasoned leader.

Keep in mind he suffered an early-season injury on Opening Day against the Pirates, though he did not start to struggle until well after he returned from it. It may just be a rough patch which he has always been able to work out of. He seemingly goes through these things on a yearly basis and always pitches in the biggest of games. Better to struggle now than September *knock on wood*.

Everyone knows Lester is past his prime years and his numbers will not be what they were circa 2010-2016, but he still finds ways to be effective. Right now it is still hard to not have any faith in Jon Lester. We saw last year when the peripherals were not so good he found ways to get outs and pitch well in big games.