In an exhilarating turn of events, Chicago Cubs fans have been given a glimmer of hope as their ace pitcher, Justin Steele, vows to return to the mound this season despite a recent injury setback. This is a massive boost for the Cubs, who are in the thick of the playoff race. Steele is the most significant Cubs rotational piece to this point in the season and recently hit the 15-day IL with left flexor tendinitis. Rather than being defined by the setback, it’s Steele’s determination for his return to be better than ever that has inspired fans and teammates alike.
Justin Steele Oozes With Confidence
On Tuesday, while the Cubs were deciding whether or not to put Steele on the IL, he was tall and confident that he would return from injury. “Yeah, I do,” Steele answered confidently when asked if he thought he’d pitch again this season. It’s that kind of confidence the Cubs will be counting on to get through this critical stretch. When Steele went down, there was some cause for alarm after he was scratched from his start against the Pirates due to left elbow soreness. Some positive news from his MRI gave some reason to hope his absence could be shorter than expected.
It was an untimely injury for Steele, who seemed to be finding his rhythm on the mound. The left-hander was nothing short of spectacular in August, going 3-0 with a shiny 2.03 ERA while striking out 33 in 26 2/3 innings. Through the season, Steele has a 3.09 ERA with 131 strikeouts in 128 innings. It’s a great follow-up to his outstanding 2023 season, in which he finished with a 3.06 ERA and 176 strikeouts. This season’s numbers reinforce just why his return is so highly anticipated.
Rotation Rides on Remaining Pitchers
The Cubs, all-in on October, will have to lean on the remaining pitchers while Steele is out. Those coming to fill the gap are Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, Javier Assad, Kyle Hendricks, and Jordan Wicks. Hendricks stepped into Steele’s position Tuesday and had a good five-inning appearance. Wicks is back from his own IL stint to add to the rotation. Not so fortunate in returning to the rotation in time will be IL member Hayden Wesneski.
The timeline of his return, though, remains unpredictable, and Manager Craig Counsell is optimistic. The next ten days will be instructive about how quickly Steele can get back to his brilliant self. This 10-day period is going to be critical for Steele’s recovery and will also determine the playoff hopes of the Cubs.
Playoff Push for the Cubs and the Steele Factor
While the Cubs faithfully await the return of Steele, they also understand his resolve and their relevant pitching staff keeps them in contention. With Steele’s promise to return with this current rotation holding, the Cubs might be primed for that strong final push in the season. Steele’s return could be the spark the Cubs need to clinch a playoff spot and go deep into October.
Fans and teammates alike support Steele in his return to the mound. His grit mixed with teammates in support is symptomatic of the spirit encapsulating this year’s Cubs. The road ahead will be tough, but with determination in the mindset of Steele, the Cubs are ready for whatever may come their way.
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