Justin Steele was looking dominant through 4.2 innings striking out six. While making a diving play on a bunt it appears that Steele injured his leg. Steele lay on the grass by the first baseline grabbing the back side of his left leg. The hope is it’s just his hamstring and not worse like a knee injury. Steele left the game by walking off on his own, which is a good sign that perhaps it’s not too serious. Steele left the game with the score tied 1-1. Julian Merryweather entered the game with two outs in the bottom of the fifth.
Steele had been going strong allowing three hits, one run, and one walk while striking out the six batters. Over 68 pitches 47 of them were strikes and Steele looked like he was picking up right where he left off last season. With the game tied 1-1, this is a tough blow for a Cubs team looking to get off to a hot start. With James Taillon already on the IL, the Cubs will be eagerly waiting to see the severity of the situation with Justin’s leg.
Summary
With your ace going strong and the team looking good, this is a tough blow on opening night. Hopefully, this is just a precautionary matter. The team needs a repeat from Steele’s 2023 season if they plan to make a serious push at the division title and a deep playoff run. If Steele is to miss any time I would suspect Drew Smyly would get the spot start in his place.
