With Jon Lester on the mound David Ross gets the NLCS Game 1 start

There is no doubt who the Cubs regular starting catcher is, Miguel Montero has been a leader for the young team. However, Montero won’t be starting Game 1 of the NLCS.

Just as he had all season long, David Ross will be starting behind the plate with Jon Lester on the mound.

Ross started Game 1 of the NLDS with Lester pitching and went 0-2 before being removed for a pinch hitter in the ninth inning. That wasn’t just the only game the Cubs lost to St. Louis, but the only game in which they failed to score at all.

The veteran catcher is hitting just .176 on the season with a .267 OBP.

Statistically, the Cubs pitchers have done slightly better with Ross behind the plate. However, that likely has much to do with the fact that Ross typically catches Lester and Jake Arrieta the most.

Of the 205 innings Lester threw this season, 184 of them were with Ross behind the plate. However, his strike out to walk ratio is slightly better with Montero catching. Montero is available and would likely be brought in if Lester exits early and the Cubs are in need of offense.