Lester preparing for Game 6 start, won't pitch in relief during Game 5

The Chicago Cubs enter Game 5 of the National League Championship Series in a do-or-die situation, down 3-1 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, and although it can be presumed all hands would be on deck, that apparently isn't the case.

Cubs left-hander Jon Lester told reporters, including MLB.com's Carrie Muskat, he won't be available out of the bullpen during Game 5 because he's preparing to start Game 6.

The 33-year-old southpaw who started Game 2 on Sunday has pitched as both a starter and reliever during the postseason for Chicago, appearing out of the bullpen in the NL Division Series against the Washington Nationals.

With Lester and closer Wade Davis - who threw close to 50 pitches on Wednesday - unavailable, Cubs manager Joe Maddon will hope Game 5 starter Jose Quintana can pitch deep into the game because of Chicago's postseason bullpen struggles.

The Cubs' bullpen has allowed a combined 12 hits and eight runs in 13 1/3 innings. Only relievers Pedro Strop and Carl Edwards Jr. have prevented the Dodgers from scoring in the NLCS, although the pair have allowed a combined four walks.