The Chicago Cubs have a lethal weapon in their arsenal in the form of Starting Pitcher Justin Steele. He has proven to be an extremely talented arm in their starting rotation. The efforts of this elite pitcher have seemed to be all for naught as the Cubs have had a difficult season. They are sitting at 41-49 and are in last place in the National League Central.
Justin Steele has been one of the strongest arms in Chicago’s rotation so far this season. Until Friday night, he had not recorded a single win despite his low numbers and strong outings. After coming off of a historic outing, Steele aims to carry the momentum moving forward.
Will the Cubs make it all come together and give the support their pitchers need?
Steele Makes History
While playing the Los Angeles Angels on Friday night, Justin Steele recorded his first win of the season. His record is now 1-3 on the year. With this outing, he has moved his ERA to a striking 1.67 throughout his last eight starts.
He tossed a complete game, throwing nine innings and only allowing two hits. He garnered seven strikeouts and allowed one earned run. He led the Cubs to a 5-1 victory over the Angels. This was the first complete game of his career.
The game marked a historic moment for Justin Steele. He was the first pitcher since Rickey Clark to not have recorded a win in his first 12 starts with an ERA of 3.50 or lower. The “Man of Steele” snapped that streak with his two-hit showing.
Justin Steele and His 2024 Season
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Justin Steele has had an incredible start to his 2024 season. He leads his team in many categories across the pitching staff. The southpaw has an overall ERA of 2.95, beating out both Shota Imanaga and Javier Assad who are harboring ERA’s over three. In his 79.1 innings pitched, he has registered a WHIP of 1.00 and only 18 walks.
He has played in the Major Leagues for four seasons now. He has been with Chicago for the entirety of his career. He has made substantial progress from 2021 to now. In his first season, his ERA was at 4.26. He had 59 Ks in 20 games played. His 77 strikeouts in just 13 games played in 2024 are indicative of the growth he has made.
The best year of his career came last season when he made his lone all-star appearance and finished fifth in the National League Cy Young voting. Blake Snell of the San Diego Padres won this prestigious award last season.
Cubs Failed Efforts
As the Cubs are sitting at the very bottom of their division, they are a startling 11 games back from their divisional leaders, the Milwaukee Brewers. They are also six games back of the third and final National League Wild Card spot.
The starting pitching for Chicago is strong, but the run support from the lineup is limiting their chances at success. The bullpen for the Cubs has been less than satisfactory for the team. When a lead may seem to be in control, the bullpen finds a way to blow their leads. With these struggles, the club may consider making some deals at the trade deadline.
The Cubs look to take the series against the Angels and move to 42-48 on the year.
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