Jon Lester doesn't expect to be used in NLCS Game 4 - MLB

It’s crunch time for the Cubs, who are on the brink of elimination from the National League Championship Series with a 3-0 hole and Game 4 set for Wednesday night. But there will be no desperation moves in regards to the starting pitching schedule for Chicago.

Jason Hammel will be on the bump in Game 4 against the Mets and projected Game 5 starter Jon Lester will not be brought in even if Hammel’s outing is going extremely poorly. Lester spoke to reporters on Wednesday afternoon at Wrigley Field …

Jon Lester asked whether he's prepared to pitch tonight and whether he's been told to be ready to pitch tonight: "No and no."

— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) October 21, 2015

Jake Arrieta, the Cubs’ projected Game 6 starter, probably won’t be tried in Game 4 either.

This comeback is going to take four straight wins. It makes sense to keep the horses in line.

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LOS ANGELES — Giancarlo Stanton, Josh Donaldson, and Tommy Kahnle were activated by the New York Yankees ahead of their weekend series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

New York cleared three roster spots after a 1-0 loss at Seattle, optioning infielder-outfielders Oswaldo Cabrera and Franchy Cordero to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre along with left-hander Matt Krook.

Stanton, Donaldson and Kahnle all played in a rehab game for Double-A Somerset. Stanton was hitless in three at-bats in his first appearance since injuring his left hamstring on April 15.

Donaldson went 1 for 4 in his fourth rehab game as he comes back from a strained right hamstring originally sustained on April 5.

Kahnle pitched one inning, giving up one run and one hit and walking two. He has been out since spring training with right biceps tendinitis.

Aaron Boone said he wasn’t concerned about Stanton returning after playing in just one rehab game. He did say that Stanton likely will be a designated hitter for a couple of weeks after rejoining the Yankees.

New York is missing centerfielder Harrison Bader, who strained his right hamstring against the Mariners and went on the injured list the next day.

Left-hander Carlos Rodón, sidelined since spring training by a sore left forearm and an ailing back, was transferred to the 60-day injured list.

Jon Lester doesn’t expect to be used in NLCS Game 4

Stanton, Donaldson, Kahnle activated by Yankees ahead of Dodgers series