Jon Lester has yet to allow an earned run in two spring-training appearances so far.
But that’s no surprise coming from a left-hander expected to be the Chicago Cubs’ ace this season.
Lester worked three shutout innings on Wednesday in Mesa, Ariz., allowing three hits while striking out two and walking none in the Cubs’ 4-3 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The win was the Cubs’ first in eight spring-training games.
Lester has now pitched five shutout innings and leads Cactus League pitchers with a 0.00 ERA. Lester and right-hander Neil Ramirez top the Cubs with five strikeouts apiece.
Teammate Travis Wood, a returning left-hander, is sixth with a 3.60 ERA.
Contenders for the Cubs third base job have put up impressive numbers so far this spring.
Mike Olt had reached safely in five games through Wednesday and is batting .400 with two home runs, three RBIs and three walks. Rookie Kris Bryant has home runs in two of his last three games and is also hitting .400.
Thursday’s Cubs-Angels game was among five stops for actor and comedian Will Ferrell, slated to play every position on the field for 10 different teams as part of taping for an upcoming HBO program from Funny Or Die.
The special will be dedicated to the battle against cancer.
The Cubs have three more split-squad days this month, with back-to-back dates this Friday and Saturday in Las Vegas against the A’s.
The Cubs final split-squad games are March 28 with a trip to Goodyear, Ariz., to face the Reds and a home game against the Rockies.