The Chicago Cubs faced off against the San Francisco Giants on March 22 in a Cactus League matchup. The Cubs’ ace, Justin Steele, initiated the game for his team but had to leave early due to a leg injury sustained when he took a comebacker off his left leg in the top of the 2nd inning.
Steele took to social media to provide an update on his injury, expressing that while he was okay physically, his March Madness bracket was not faring as well.
Steele, set to lead the Cubs’ rotation in 2024, had his fourth Cactus League start cut short. Across four outings this season, he has maintained a 4.91 ERA over 11.0 innings. Steele was appointed as the Cubs’ Opening Day starter on March 9, with the March 22 outing intended as his final preparation before the opening day, as per MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian.
Drafted by the Cubs in 2014 from George County High School, Steele didn’t debut in the major leagues until 2021. Following years in the minors, Steele was slated to make his first career Opening Day start in 2023, showcasing a record of 16-5 with a 3.06 ERA that season and finishing fifth in National League Cy Young Award voting.
In addition to Steele, the Cubs’ rotation features Kyle Hendricks, Shota Imanaga, Jordan Wicks, and Javier Assad. Right-hander Jameson Taillon will begin the season on the injured list, according to Bastian’s report.
The Cubs bolstered their rotation by acquiring left-hander Shōta Imanaga in free agency during the offseason. Imanaga, who posted a 7-5 record in Japan last season with a 2.77 ERA, signed a four-year, $53 million contract. Analysts anticipate Imanaga to serve as a significant asset, potentially pairing effectively with Steele at the top of the rotation.
Justin Steele exited today's game after getting hit in the leg. pic.twitter.com/7FhiShr9jg
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) March 22, 2024
With veteran Hendricks returning for his 11th season with the club, the Cubs’ rotation leans towards youth with Imanaga, Steele, Wicks, and Assad. Hendricks, having made three Opening Day starts in his career, expressed confidence in Steele’s ability to handle the pressure of leading the rotation.
Ranked ninth in ERA in the majors last season, the Cubs have the potential to further improve led by Steele and Imanaga in 2024.
