Cubs’ standout pitcher Justin Steele was forced to exit his inaugural start of the season due to a hamstring injury, with expectations of a prolonged absence well beyond the minimum 15-day stint on the injured list. Manager Craig Counsell relayed that Steele’s injury has been classified as a Grade 1 strain, projecting his absence for the entirety of April, although the exact timeline remains uncertain until Steele can walk without a limp.
Steele was in excellent form during his debut Opening Day start until he stumbled awkwardly while fielding a bunt. Despite managing to execute a remarkable play, throwing out the speedy Taveras, he immediately signaled distress in his leg and had to leave the game accompanied by a trainer. Consequently, the Cubs placed him on the injured list and summoned pitching prospect Ben Brown to fill the void.
Losing Steele for a significant portion of the season is a substantial setback for the Cubs, who aim for a postseason return in the competitive NL Central division. Although not initially regarded as a top prospect, Steele has ascended from a modest fifth-round draft pick to become not only a dependable starter but also an All-Star performer and a contender for the National League Cy Young award.
In the 2023 season, Steele delivered 30 starts for the Cubs, accumulating 173 1/3 innings with an impressive 3.06 ERA along with notable improvements in his walk rate. His consistent performance over a considerable sample size underscores his value to the team. Including his rookie campaign in 2021 and this season’s lone appearance, Steele has maintained a commendable 3.28 ERA over 354 innings in the majors.
With Steele sidelined for an extended period, the Cubs’ pitching depth will be put to the test early in the season. The rotation, now without its ace, will rely on the likes of Shota Imanaga, Kyle Hendricks, and Jameson Taillon. Meanwhile, the debut of 24-year-old pitching prospect Ben Brown becomes imminent, despite his previous struggles with command in Triple-A. Additionally, Javier Assad offers an alternative option, albeit with limited experience primarily from the bullpen.
The Cubs face a challenging schedule ahead, featuring matchups against formidable opponents such as the Dodgers, Astros, Padres, and Red Sox in April, followed by games against the Mets, Brewers, and Braves in May. The absence of Steele amplifies the importance of maintaining competitiveness amidst these tough matchups.
