Imagine that you are the Cubs manager today

[dolphins4life]

The Cubs clinched a spot in the NL Wild Card game against the Pirates.

I looked at the starting pitchers for today's game and Jon Lester is listed as the starter.

I question this decision.  Your team is almost guaranteed to be the road team for the wildcard.  Even though Jake Arrieta is going to start the wild card game, why not rest Jon Lester for the rest of the season too?  Then you have your two best starting pitchers ready for the one game playoff.  That way you have insurance against an injury.  Also, given that your bullpen has been shaky all season, it might be wise to have Lester ready for the middle or late innings too.

What do you think?

How would you play it?

[Spider-Dan]

Your team is almost guaranteed to be the road team for the wildcard.

There's your answer.  Remove the "almost" and Lester wouldn't be starting.

[dolphins4life]

But is that very slim chance worth the risk?

You have already clinched a playoff berth in the wildcard game. 

I think it is wiser to rest your best pitchers.

The key for me is that the bullpen is very weak.  I might feel differently if I had a good bullpen.

[dolphins4life]

Now I am really confused 

Arrieta is starting today, which means he will only have three days rest for Wednesday.