Report: Lester could work out of bullpen as 'middle man'

If he's needed, Game 5 starter Jon Lester is expected to make an appearance in the deciding Game 7 of the World Series in a pretty unfamiliar role.

The southpaw, working on two days rest, will be the middle man out of the team's bullpen, according to sources of FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.

Lester, and potentially even John Lackey, would come in as relievers following starter Kyle Hendricks, according to Rosenthal, who writes that manager Joe Maddon's decision to go to closer Aroldis Chapman in Game 6 despite a big lead "was a complete vote of no confidence in the rest of his bullpen."

If Lester were to appear, veteran David Ross - who is retiring after Wednesday's game - would replace Willson Contreras behind the plate to form their regular battery.

The 32-year-old Lester has made one relief appearance during his regular season career, spanning two innings, for the Boston Red Sox in 2007. He also appeared in two games as a reliever in the postseason that same year.

Lester has been lights out for the Cubs in the 2016 postseason, posting a 3-1 record with a 1.93 ERA across five starts, striking out 26 over 32 2/3 innings.