Lackey’s solid start a tuneup for October

PITTSBURGH — John Lackey might have reached 200 innings this season if he hadn’t been on the disabled list because of tightness in his right shoulder. The Cubs right-hander expects to make up the difference next month.

“I’m going to get to 200,” said Lackey, who is at 188 1/3 innings for the season after pitching five innings Tuesday night in the Cubs’ 6-4 victory over the Pirates.

The Cubs have yet to announce their rotation for the National League Division Series, but Lackey will be among the group.

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“He’s thrown a lot of innings. He’s pitched extremely well,” Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. “I think he’s been really good.”

Statistically, it has been one of Lackey’s better years. He finished 11-8 with a 3.35 ERA in 29 starts and struck out 180. He also has a career-low WHIP of 1.06.

Not bad for a 37-year-old pitcher.

“It’s probably one of the better ones of my career,” Lackey said of his season. “If you look at things besides wins and losses, and some of the smaller numbers, it’s probably the best I’ve ever …

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