Cubs' Justin Steele: Exits start with forearm tightness
Rotowire
Steele was removed from Wednesday's game against the Rays due to left forearm tightness, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.
The Cubs likely won't have a return timeline available for Steele until he undergoes further testing on his forearm, but based on the initial diagnosis, he'll almost certainly be headed for the 15-day injured list. Before he was visited on the mound by manager David Ross and a team trainer in the third inning, Steele was cruising through his 12th start of the season, as he retired all nine batters he faced on 29 pitches. Hayden Wesneski came on in bulk relief to replace Steele and would likely be the top candidate to enter the rotation in the event that Steele winds up on the IL.
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Cubs' Justin Steele: Will undergo MRI on forearm
Rotowire
Cubs manager David Ross said Steele will undergo an MRI on his left forearm Thursday, Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune reports.
Ross had no other information, and the MRI might just be precautionary, but there's an ominous feeling to this situation after Steele was forced from his start Wednesday afternoon against the Rays due to forearm tightness. He had thrown three perfect frames prior to his departure, lowering his season ERA to 2.65. If the 27-year-old southpaw requires a stint on the 15-day injured list -- which seems likely even if the MRI is clean -- Hayden Wesneski would be a good bet to fill the vacant rotation spot.
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Cubs' Justin Steele: Pulled after three innings
Rotowire
Steele was removed from his start Wednesday versus the Rays due to an apparent injury, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.
Steele received a visit on the mound from Cubs manager David Ross and trainer Nick Frangella in the top of the third inning and didn't return from the dugout to begin the top of the fourth. He had thrown three perfect frames on 29 pitches -- 19 strikes -- so his departure was almost certainly related to an injury or an illness. Expect the Cubs to provide an update on Steele's situation shortly.
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Cubs' Justin Steele: Falls flat Friday
Rotowire
Steele (6-2) took the loss Friday, allowing six runs (five earned) on 10 hits over 3.2 innings during a 9-0 loss to the Reds. He struck out four and did not issue a walk.
Steele allowed a season-high 10 hits and at least five earned runs for the second time in his past three starts. Despite his recent struggles, he doesn't face any threats to his spot in the rotation and sports above-average numbers with a 2.77 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 57:16 K:BB over 11 appearances (65 innings). For the most part, the left-hander has relied on a two-pitch mix, but he may need to work in a third offering to avoid further poor outings.
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Cubs' Justin Steele: Bounces back in no-decision
Rotowire
Steele did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing four hits and a walk over six scoreless innings against the Phillies. He struck out six.
Steele was sharp Sunday, blanking a powerful Phillies lineup over six innings after allowing a season-high five runs against the Astros in his last outing. The 27-year-old left-hander is 6-1 this season with a sparkling 2.20 ERA and 1.01 WHIP and 53:16 K:BB through 10 starts (61.1 innings). Steele's 7.78 K/9 would be a career low, though he's held opponents to a 24.3 percent hard-hit rate, putting him in the 97th percentile in the league.
Steele (6-1) allowed five runs on five hits across six innings to take the loss Tuesday against the Astros. He walked one and struck out eight.
Steele took his first loss of the season but actually pitched pretty well by scattering six baserunners across six innings while tying his season high in strikeouts. Houston is a tough place to pitch, and the lefty still has a solid 2.44 ERA, so he should bounce back quickly. Steele is tentatively set to take the hill again Sunday against the Phillies.
Steele (6-0) allowed three runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out three over six innings to earn the win Wednesday over the Cardinals.
By his lofty standards in 2023, this was somewhat of a disappointing effort. That said, Steele turned in his seventh quality start in eight outings, and he remains undefeated on the season, though he can thank his offense for strong run support in Wednesday's contest. The southpaw has a 1.82 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 39:14 K:BB through 49.1 innings over eight starts. He's projected for a tough road start in Houston next week.
Steele (5-0) picked up the win in Friday's 4-1 victory over the Marlins, allowing one run on six hits over seven innings. He struck out four without walking a batter.
The southpaw was sharp once again, tossing 64 of 86 pitches for strikes and shutting out Miami through five innings. Steele's ability to limit homers has been his strongest asset so far in 2023 -- he's kept the ball in the yard in six of his seven starts. The 27-year-old will take a 1.45 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 36:11 K:BB through 43.1 innings into his next outing, likely to come at home next week against the Cardinals.
