The Cubs introduced to reporters that left-hander Justin Steele might be positioned on the 15-day injured checklist. His challenge is left elbow flexor tendinitis, per Maddie Lee of the Chicago Solar-Instances on X. The corresponding transfer has not been revealed but.
Steele was supposed to begin Monday’s recreation however was scratched as a result of some elbow soreness. The Cubs took a few days to judge issues and have now seemingly determined that Steele will want some down time.
Supervisor Craig Counsell tells Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune (X hyperlink) that it’s attainable Steele may very well be again after a minimal stint, relying on how issues develop within the subsequent ten days. “If we will get him again to regular he’s gonna pitch,” Counsell says. Presumably, Steele’s IL placement might be backdated by three days, the utmost allowed. Which means he might technically be again in 12 days if the whole lot goes nicely.
Whether or not that’s a sensible expectation or not might be revealed in time. Both method, it’s a blow for the Cubs within the quick time period. The membership continues to be clinging to rivalry right here in September, at present sitting 4.5 video games again of a playoff spot. The lefty has 477 1/3 innings below his belt at this level with a 3.24 earned run common. That features 128 innings this yr with a 3.09 ERA, 24.9% strikeout charge, 6.5% stroll charge and 48.4% floor ball charge.
Shedding that form of performer will damage a membership with little room for error. Jordan Wicks was simply reinstated from the injured checklist just a few days in the past, so the membership can nonetheless have a five-man rotation with out Steele, with Wicks slotting in subsequent to Jameson Taillon, Shota Imanaga, Javier Assad and Kyle Hendricks. It’s been a tough yr for Hendricks, who at present sports activities a 6.60 ERA general and was been bumped to the bullpen earlier within the season. Maybe the return of Wicks would have despatched him to a reduction position once more however that may not be attainable now that Steele has been subtracted from the equation.