Jon Lester Reportedly Will Be Activated from DL Saturday After Lat Injury

Jon Lester will reportedly return to the mound Saturday against the Atlanta Braves when the Chicago Cubs activate him off the 10-day disabled list, according to the Chicago Sun-Times' Gordon Wittenmyer.

Lester was initially placed on the disabled list Aug. 18 with left shoulder fatigue and left lat tightness.

It's perfect timing for the Cubs, who have won seven of their last 10 and have opened a 3.5-game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the National League Central.

When Lester takes the bump Saturday, he will look to close the regular season strong.

Prior to hitting the shelf, the 2016 NL Cy Young runner-up went 8-7 with a 4.37 ERA, 1.274 WHIP and 3.37 strikeout-to-walk rate in 26 starts.

Those numbers weren't prolific, to be sure. However, Lester flashed glimpses of elite form when he ripped off three straight wins after the All-Star break.

In seven total appearances since the Midsummer Classic, Lester has posted a .229 opponents batting average, 45 strikeouts and nine walks.

If Lester can channel that form in September, the Cubs figure to gain even more steam as they attempt to stun the rest of Major League Baseball and repeat as World Series champions.