Chicago Cubs pitcher Jon Lester departed his start Thursday against the Cincinnati Reds due to left lat tightness.
After pitching a scoreless first, Lester allowed 9 runs (7 earned) on 7 hits and 1 walk in the top of the second frame in Chicago. He then signaled for a trainer and removed himself from the game after just 40 pitches and 1 2/3 innings. He'll be re-evaluated on Friday but this could wind up requiring a stint on the disabled list.
Lester's ERA rose from 3.99 to 4.37 after today's outing. He's 8-7 through 26 starts and 148 1/3 total innings.
Source: Mark Gonzalez