The Chicago Cubs are set to take on the Oakland Athletics in the rubber match of their three-game series on Wednesday afternoon. This matchup marks the final time a team from Oakland is expected to play at Wrigley Field. The game will also see the return of All-Star pitcher Justin Steele.
On August 27, Steele pitched five innings, allowing only two runs, securing his fifth win of the season against the Pirates. He was scheduled to pitch against Pirates ace Paul Skenes the following week at Wrigley, but was scratched from that start due to left elbow tendinitis, raising concerns about his health.
While fans anxiously awaited news about the injury’s severity, Steele underwent an MRI. Both he and manager Craig Counsell reported positive results, suggesting that a trip to the injured list might not be necessary. However, the next day, he was placed on the 15-day injured list.
Many speculated that Steele’s season might be over and that the Cubs would keep him sidelined for the rest of 2024. Despite the team’s dwindling playoff chances, they are still fighting for a spot, and now Steele is making his return.
Before a tough loss to the Athletics on Tuesday night, the Cubs announced that Steele would be reinstated from the injured list to start against Oakland on Wednesday afternoon. After a three-week absence due to concerns about his elbow, Steele is ready to take the mound again.
The MRI results were encouraging enough to allow him to continue pitching in 2024, as anything more serious would have led to an immediate shutdown for the season. If he stays healthy, he should be able to make at least two more starts before the end of the season.
The main question now is why push him to return? Steele is expected to be a key part of the rotation for years to come. With the Cubs six games behind the New York Mets for the final wild-card spot, their playoff chances are slim.
Nonetheless, Steele is eager to pitch, and Counsell likely feels more confident with his ace on the mound. However, given the challenges of this season and the injuries that have already limited his appearances, sending him out for just a few remaining starts carries its risks.
