Justin Steele’s Season-Ending Surgery Leaves Cubs in a Bind
In a blow to the Chicago Cubs’ pitching rotation, pitcher Justin Steele will undergo season-ending surgery on his left elbow. This news was confirmed by manager Craig Counsell during a press conference on Sunday. The 29-year-old left-hander was placed on the injured list last week after experiencing discomfort following his last start.
Steele’s last outing was a stellar performance, where he pitched seven shutout innings against the Texas Rangers on Monday. However, the pain persisted, and upon arriving at the stadium the next day for treatment, it was clear that something was amiss. Before this setback, Steele had a record of 3-1 with a 4.76 ERA in four starts this season.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time Steele has faced elbow issues. Over the past couple of seasons, he has had a history of minor elbow problems, which have seen him spend time on the injured list. Last year, he returned for two September outings after a similar stint on the injured list. Steele even started the second game of the season for the Cubs against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Japan last month.
Overall, Steele boasts a career record of 32-22 with a 3.30 ERA in 91 starts, all with the Cubs. His absence leaves a significant gap in the Cubs’ rotation, and the team is now tasked with finding a suitable replacement.
Filling the Void: Cubs’ Options
With Steele sidelined, the Cubs are exploring their options. Long reliever Colin Rea is set to step into Steele’s spot in the rotation for the upcoming game against the Dodgers on Sunday night. However, the team is also considering other in-house candidates.
- Lefty Jordan Wicks
- Righty Cade Horton
Horton, one of the Cubs’ top prospects, is still on the mend from an injury that kept him out of action last year. The Cubs might also explore the trade market, with Sandy Alcantara of the Miami Marlins potentially available this summer.
The Cubs’ management faces a challenging decision as they weigh their options. Do they rely on their current roster, or do they make a move in the trade market to bolster their rotation? The coming weeks will be crucial as they navigate this setback.
For Cubs fans, the news of Steele’s surgery is undoubtedly disappointing. His contributions to the team have been significant, and his absence will be felt. However, the Cubs have shown resilience in the past, and with a mix of strategic decisions and perhaps a bit of luck, they can overcome this hurdle.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the Cubs’ rotation and how they adapt to this new challenge. Will Colin Rea step up to the plate, or will a new face emerge as a key player in the rotation? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the Cubs’ journey this season just got a lot more interesting.
Originally Written by: Jesse Rogers
