You’ll never find manager David Ross rooting for the Cardinals. Unless it’s a day off for the Cubs and his good friend Jon Lester is going for a big milestone. That’s exactly what happened Monday as the former Cubs ace won his 200th game as a member of the team’s archrival.
While it was an odd feeling, Ross had no regrets cheering St. Louis on as Lester was finally able to reach the mark.
“I did. I rooted for the red team yesterday, and that felt really strange,” Ross said with a big smile. “But I’m really happy for Jon. That was special. A lot of coaches and the group that’s known him and been around here, everybody’s been following his progression to 200. I was definitely hoping he got it before he got here [against the Cubs this weekend].
“All the losses stink on my end, but it probably would’ve stunk a little bit worse if he would’ve gotten it here. But now we can really go all in on kicking his butt. I’m happy for him. Very happy.”
Lester was the Cubs’ big free-agent addition who ignited their World Series run, signing a six-year, $155 million deal in December 2014. Seventy-seven of his 200 victories came as a member of the Cubs. He ranks third in active wins behind Justin Verlander (226) and Zack Greinke (219).
Twins rough up Mills
Much like fellow starter Kyle Hendricks, after having a long run of success, right-hander Alec Mills has hit a bit of a rough patch. He didn’t have a great outing Tuesday night in the Cubs’ 9-5 loss to the Twins.
Minnesota got to Mills early, scoring two runs in the first inning. The Twins added three runs in the fourth and two in the fifth to take a 7-2 lead.
Mills allowed six earned runs and six hits in four-plus innings. He walked two and struck out four. It was only the second time this season that Mills had allowed six or more earned runs in a start.
Rivas heads to injured list
The Cubs put infielder Alfonso Rivas on the 10-day injured list with an injured right middle finger. Rivas took batting practice before the game but was scratched from the lineup about an hour before first pitch.
Rivas has played well in his short stint with the Cubs. He had a slash line of .318/.388/.409 with a home run and four RBI. He also has been able to play both corner outfield spots along with first base, his primary position.
“He had a little something pop up in Milwaukee,” Ross said after the game. “We got it looked at today. The doc came in and kind of diagnosed it as something a little more serious than we thought, and it was going to require putting him on the IL. . . . Hate that for him. I was really enjoying watching him play and getting an opportunity. But his season will be done.”
