If the #Cubs Make the Postseason, Who Will Be this Year’s Jason Hammel?

During the regular season last year, the Cubs had five good starters: Jon Lester (19-5, 2.44), Jake Arrieta (18-8, 3.70), Kyle Hendricks (16-8, 2.13), John Lackey (11-8, 3.35), and Jason Hammel (15-10, 3.83).  But, given the way the schedule works, you only need four starters during the postseason.  So when the Cubs made it to the playoffs last year, something had to give.  One of the starters had to put aside.  Not only that, but given the differences between starting and relieving, the Cubs decided that the fifth starter, the one they would not be using in the postseason, would not be sent to the bullpen.  He wouldn’t be on the postseason roster at all.

Jason Hammel was the one who was set down last year and was not even on the playoff roster.  But Jason understood and took it well.  He did not grump or complain.  (Here and here.)  He rooted for the team and wound up getting a World Series ring, which he deserved for all he did during the regular season.

So, if Kyle Hendricks comes back from his finger issue and pitches well in the second half of the season, and if the Cubs make the postseason, who will be Jason Hammel this year?  Who will be the fifth starter not used in the postseason.  Certainly not Jon Lester or Jake Arrieta.  If Kyle pitches well, it won’t be him, either.  Jose Quintana?  No way.  Which leaves John Lackey. 

As I said, last year, Jason Hammel was an important part of the team during the regular season.  His record shows it.  Just as John is this year.

But when the postseason came and a hard decision had to be made, Jason understood.  He was a good teammate and accepted the decision for the good of the team.  Just as John would this year?