Great News; He is back

The Chicago Cubs’ main concern after Justin Steele’s injury on opening day was how their rotation would function without their best left-hander.

Time passed and that worry vanished.

On Monday night, Steele made his way back into one of baseball’s greatest rotations by starting the first game of a three-game series against the San Diego Padres. It was Steele’s first time playing in the major leagues since he hurt his left hamstring on March 28 at Texas while trying to play a sacrifice bunt.

Last season, Steele, 28, had a breakout season, going 16-5 in 30 starts with a 3.06 ERA. He was fifth in the voting for the National League Cy Young Award and was named to the NL All-Star squad for the first time.

On Wednesday, Steele began his rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa, pitching 3 1/3 innings and giving up three runs and six hits. Against San Diego, he was working on a pitch count.

To free up space on the roster, Keegan Thompson was optioned to Iowa. In his seven bullpen appearances for Chicago this season, Thompson is 1-0 with a 3.38 ERA.

Before the series against the Padres, the Cubs were 21-14, more than holding their own with Steele out.

Chicago’s rapid start can be attributed in large part to the rotation. Tuesday night’s opponent, Shota Imanaga, signed with the Cubs in January and is in his debut big league season. He is 5-0 with a 0.78 ERA. Javier Assad (3-0, 1.66 ERA) and Jameson Taillon (3-0, 1.13 ERA) have both been excellent, while rookie right-handers Hayden Wesneski and Ben Brown have also contributed some crucial innings.

Manager Craig Counsell stated, “Our starting pitching has been excellent.” “Obviously, Jameson Taillon has been outstanding, Shota and Javy, two guys who were in the rotation the entire year, have been outstanding, and then Hayden and Ben have emerged and been really significant.”

Prior to facing San Diego, the starting staff’s record was 2.61.

“I believe every single one of those guys has come through for us,” stated Jed Hoyer, president of baseball operations. “And that’s what you require to overcome wounds.”