Cubs’ Opening Day, Justin Steele Sustains Hamstring Injury
He had to leave the game early
With top starter Justin Steele out in the fifth inning with a hamstring strain, the Cubs’ Opening Day took a turn for the worst. When Steele mishandled a bunt from Leody Taveras of the Rangers, he fell and grabbed his left leg, which caused him to stumble.
The Cubs performance was marred by Steele’s early departure even though he had given up one earned run, three hits, six strikeouts, and one walk in 4 and 2/3 innings.
Steele was placed on the disabled list after manager Craig Counsell verified the player’s hamstring issue.
In the morning, Counsell stated, “It has tightness in left hamstring. We’ll get an MRI, probably in Illinois.” “It is unfortunate. He has excellent control over his pitches. A vital team member, without a doubt, and it appears that we will miss him temporarily.” “This, however, is a baseball season segment. It is inevitable that injuries will occur, and you must overcome them and go on. Everyone else has to kind of pick up around him once the next person steps in to fill in.” “Even though it hurts a little more on the first day of the season, we will be tested right away because this is a part of our season.”
Cubs’ unfortunate loss
This disappointment followed Steele’s incredible 2023 campaign, which included an All-Star Game appearance and a fifth-place result in the NL Cy Young voting.
Without him, the Cubs are now in the dark. Julian Merryweather, the team’s replacement pitcher, stopped the Rangers’ offensive momentum and allowed them to score just one run the rest of the way.
