Article: Yikes! Justin Steele Leaves Opening Day Game With Hamstring Injury

Jacob Zanolla · March 29, 2024

Justin Steele had to leave his first start of the season early with an apparent hamstring injury.

Image courtesy of © Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

We aren't even a game into the season, and Cubs fans are already stressing over a massive injury. In the bottom of the fifth inning, Leody Taveras laid down an excellent bunt down the first base line. Justin Steele was able to stop it with his glove and flip it to Michael Busch at first base. While he did record the out, Steele immediately started rolling on the ground and grabbing his left leg. Steele got through 4.2 innings and was only responsible for one run. He struck out six Rangers batters and allowed only three hits total.

As the tweet above says, it was a really good play by Steele. Fans were reading his lips, speculating that he said, "It was just a cramp." However, Buster Olney reported on the ESPN broadcast that Steele is dealing with "hamstring tightness." This isn't good at all. With Jameson Taillon already out to start the season, the last thing Counsell needs is for his rotation ace to be out for a significant period.

Replacement-wise, there are a few options. The first two are already on the major league squad: Drew Smyly and Hayden Wesneski. If Jed decides to look at the minor leagues for help, Ben Brown is the pitcher I want to be chosen. Brown appeared in 14 innings this spring, allowing ten hits with a 0.64 ERA. Hopefully, Steele will only be out for a few starts, but I'd still like to see Brown get an opportunity to prove himself.

More information will be published as it is available.

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