The Chicago Cubs are set to reinstate one of their top pitchers for the series finale against the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday.
Manager Craig Counsell announced on Tuesday that Justin Steele will be activated from the injured list and will start in Wednesday’s game. Although the move is not yet official, the Cubs plan to adjust their rotation schedule by pushing back the rest of their starters by one day.
Steele has been sidelined since late August due to left elbow tendinitis. He recently threw a 40-pitch bullpen session in Colorado, and his successful recovery has led to the decision to reactivate him in time for the game at Wrigley Field.
This will be Steele’s first start since August 27, when he earned a win against the Pittsburgh Pirates, allowing two runs on six hits over five innings and recording six strikeouts. Prior to his injury, Steele had a stellar August, posting a 3-0 record with a 2.03 ERA.
This will mark Steele’s second activation from the injured list this season; he previously missed April due to a left hamstring strain suffered during the season opener against the Texas Rangers.
“I’m feeling good; the bullpens have been going well,” Steele mentioned in a recent interview with 670 The Score in Chicago. If he remains in the rotation for the rest of the season, Steele is expected to make three more starts, including the final game of the year against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field.
The Cubs are still in contention for the playoffs, though their chances are slim. As of Tuesday, they are five games out of the final National League Wildcard spot with only 12 games left, needing significant help from other teams to make the postseason. Fangraphs gives them a 0.2% chance of reaching October baseball.
Wednesday’s game is set to start at 2:20 pm EST and will be broadcast on Marquee Sports Network and NBC Sports California.
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