Justin Steele's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Justin Steele (hamstring) completed a live batting practice session on Sunday at Wrigley Field. Manager Craig Counsell said everything went well, and Steele's next outing will come in an extended spring training game in Arizona on Friday. On the mend from a Grade 1 left hamstring strain that he suffered back on Opening Day, Steele continues to ramp up his activity ahead of a minor-league rehab assignment that appears to be on the horizon. Based on Steele's current progress, fantasy managers can expect the 28-year-old All-Star left-hander to rejoin Chicago's rotation at some point in the middle of May. Right-hander Javier Assad has been a major factor in mixed leagues as a starter for the Cubs to begin the 2024 regular season, posting a 2.11 ERA (3.72 FIP), 1.03 WHIP, and 21:8 K:BB over 21 1/3 innings (four starts), but he'll face a tough matchup on paper in Thursday's scheduled home start versus the Houston Astros.

Chicago Cubs left-hander Justin Steele (hamstring) is scheduled to throw a live batting practice session on Sunday, and the next steps after that could be a minor-league rehab assignment if he can avoid a setback with his hammy on Sunday. The 28-year-old southpaw suffered a left-hamstring strain on Opening Day and was forced to the injured list. However, he appears to be making good progress and could return to the Cubs' starting rotation after a rehab start or two in the minors. The former fifth-rounder in 2014 was a first-time All-Star in 2023 by going 16-5 with a 3.06 ERA (3.02 FIP) and 1.17 WHIP with 36 walks and a career-high 176 strikeouts in 173 1/3 frames over his 30 starts. Steele should be stashed in an IL spot by fantasy managers in all leagues.

Chicago Cubs left-hander Justin Steele (hamstring) will throw a bullpen session on Saturday. According to Cubs manager Craig Counsell, Steele still has ways to go here but is progressing. The 28-year-old will throw for the first time since suffering a Grade 1 hamstring strain on Opening Day. Barring any setbacks, Steele is on track to return in May. Ben Brown replaced Steele in the rotation and boasts a 6.10 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, and an 11:4 K: BB across 10 1/3 innings this season. Fantasy managers can add Brown in deep-league or NL-Only league formats.

Chicago Cubs left-handerJustin Steele (hamstring) hit the 15-day injured list Saturday with a Grade 1 hamstring strain. In a corresponding news report, the team has decided to recall top prospect Ben Brown from the Iowa Cubs. Brown, a 24-year-old righty, features a full arsenal. Last year, he was 6-8 with a 5.33 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, and 100 strikeouts in 72 innings across AA and AAA. Brown dominated Double-A before having some struggles adapting to Triple-A last season. His role on the Cubs could be clearer, but manager Craig Counsell suggested they were not altering the rotation. Expect Brown to be available in relief over the next couple of days, with an expectation that he could start a game next week in Steele's place against the Colorado Rockies. According to Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic, Steele will miss all of April. Brown was excellent in the spring, garnering a .64 ERA in 14 innings with only five walks and 12 strikeouts, and is a speculative add in deep leagues.

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell said that left-hander Justin Steele (hamstring) will likely go on the injured list after suffering a left-hamstring strain in his Opening Day start on Thursday evening versus the Texas Rangers. Steele will undergo an MRI exam on Friday. Counsell didn't want to speculate on whether Steele will only need a minimum IL stint. The 28-year-old southpaw suffered the injury while fielding a bunt in the fifth inning and will now have to miss at least 10 days and maybe more. It's a tough blow for the Cubs and their ace, as Steele allowed only one earned run on three hits while walking one and striking out six against the defending-champion Rangers in 4 2/3 innings of work before departing. With Steele likely heading to the IL, it's possible fellow lefty Drew Smyly will join Chicago's rotation in the near future.