When Justin Steele got injured on opening day, there were concerns about how the Chicago Cubs’ rotation would fare without their top left-handed pitcher. But as time passed, those worries diminished.
Steele made his comeback on Monday night, pitching for the Cubs in their 6-3 loss to San Diego to kick off a three-game series. He pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowing just three hits, striking out two, and walking one at Wrigley Field.
This was Steele’s first game in the majors since he strained his left hamstring while fielding a sacrifice bunt against Texas on March 28.
“It felt really good, especially pitching at Wrigley again in front of the fans,” Steele said. “It was really awesome to be back with the team in the locker room, hanging out with the guys and stuff. In terms of how I felt, I felt really good.”
Steele had a standout season last year, going 16-5 with a 3.06 ERA in 30 starts. He even made his first NL All-Star team appearance and finished fifth in the NL Cy Young Award voting.
Before returning to the Cubs, Steele had a rehab outing with Triple-A Iowa last Wednesday, where he allowed three runs and six hits in 3 1/3 innings. Against San Diego, he threw 68 pitches, with 43 strikes.
“We still need to build up some endurance,” manager Craig Counsell said. “But considering where we were at, I thought he delivered a great performance. It was exactly what we needed, and it’s a great first step.”
To make room for Steele on the roster, Keegan Thompson was optioned to Iowa. Thompson had a 1-0 record with a 3.38 ERA in seven relief appearances for Chicago this season.
Despite Steele’s absence, the Cubs have held their own with a 21-15 record.
Their rotation has been a significant factor in their strong start. Shota Imanaga, who will pitch on Tuesday night, has been outstanding with a 5-0 record and a 0.78 ERA in his debut MLB season after signing with the Cubs in January.
Jameson Taillon (3-0, 1.13 ERA) and Javier Assad (3-0, 1.66 ERA) have also been impressive, while young right-handers Hayden Wesneski and Ben Brown have contributed valuable innings.
