Date | News | Comment |
Apr 19 2025 | Steele underwent UCL revision repair operation on his left elbow Friday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele was placed on the 15-day injured list April 9 with what was initially diagnosed as left elbow tendinitis, but further tests revealed significant UCL damage that required season-ending surgery. He was able to avoid Tommy John surgery, but he will sit for the rest of 2025 and will likely miss the early portion of the 2026 regular season. With Steele sidelined, Ben Brown and Colin Rea will continue to serve in the Cubs' rotation, though one of them will be bumped when Javier Assad (oblique) returns from the IL. |
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Apr 13 2025 | Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Sunday that Steele will undergo season-ending surgery to repair his flexor tendon and address UCL damage in his left elbow, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Counsell didn't go into specifics regarding the extent of the UCL damage, but if Steele requires a Tommy John surgery or internal brace procedure, his availability for the start of the 2026 season would also be affected. Steele was initially hopeful for a minimum-length stay on the 15-day injured list after he was deactivated Wednesday due to what the Cubs termed as left elbow tendinitis, but a more significant injury was detected after he received two medical opinions on his arm. With Steele now done for the rest of the 2025 season, the Cubs should have permanent spots in the rotation available for both Ben Brown and Colin Rea, at least until Javier Assad (oblique) is back from the IL. |
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Apr 11 2025 | Manager Craig Counsell said Friday that Steele will get a second opinion on his left elbow, Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele has now dealt with tendinitis in his left elbow in back-to-back seasons, and Counsell said the team wants to determine if his recent problems are the result of a larger issue, per Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network. The 29-year-old southpaw recently said he only expects to be on the injured list for the minimum 15 days, though that may change based on the results of his upcoming doctor's visit. |
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Apr 9 2025 | Steele (elbow) believes he will require only a minimum 15-day stay on the injured list, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele felt discomfort in his left elbow during the middle of Monday's start against the Rangers, but he remained in the game and threw a couple more scoreless innings, finishing the night with eight strikeouts over seven scoreless frames. However, he felt sore Tuesday and was placed on the IL on Wednesday with what the Cubs are calling left elbow tendinitis. Steele was on the IL last September with the same injury and missed three weeks of action that time. While it's encouraging that Steele believes he will make a quick return, the Cubs will have the ultimate say, and it's too soon to know how much time the southpaw will ultimately miss. |
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Apr 7 2025 | Steele (3-1) picked up the win Monday against the Rangers after giving up three hits and two walks in seven scoreless innings, striking out eight. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele looked to be right at home on a cold night at Wrigley Field, scattering three singles with the benefit of having the wind blowing in Monday. It was easily the star left-hander's finest performance of the campaign thus far, as he allowed a season low in knocks and fanned a season-high eight during his longest outing among four starts. Steele has a strong 21:5 K:BB and 1.15 WHIP to go with three wins over his first 22.2 frames, but he'll be looking to improve on his subpar 4.76 ERA in a tough road matchup against the Dodgers that lines up for this weekend. |
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Apr 2 2025 | Steele (2-1) collected the win Tuesday in a 7-4 victory over the A's, giving up four runs on seven hits and a walk over 6.2 innings. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw served up two-run homers to Brent Rooker in the first inning and Shea Langeliers in the third, but the Cubs' offense bailed him out with a couple long balls of its own. Steele has been taken deep five times in his first three starts of 2025, a somewhat worrying trend for a pitcher who's never had serious issues keeping the ball in the park before -- over the prior three seasons, he never posted a HR/9 rate north of 0.80 -- but the sample size is still small. Steele will look for his third straight win in his next outing, which lines up to come at home early next week against the Rangers. |
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Mar 28 2025 | Steele (1-1) earned the win Thursday in Arizona after allowing three runs on six hits and a walk over five innings. He struck out two. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-hander pounded the zone and threw 55 of 77 pitches for strikes, but he generated just four whiffs as Arizona tagged him for three extra-base hits. Steele was able to limit the damage well enough, but he's now surrendered three homers through his first two starts of the season after serving up two long balls in Tokyo against the Dodgers. A more favorable matchup with the Athletics is on the docket next week. |
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Mar 21 2025 | Steele will start the Cubs' domestic opener March 27 in Arizona, Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele started the second game of the Tokyo Series against the Dodgers this week -- allowing five runs over four innings -- and will get the first turn back home. He will be followed by Jameson Taillon against the Diamondbacks. |
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Mar 19 2025 | Steele (0-1) took the loss against the Dodgers in Tokyo on Wednesday after he surrendered five runs on five hits and one walk across four innings. He struck out five. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele struggled to a 9.35 ERA in three spring appearances, and those troubles carried over to his 2025 debut. The left-hander had a 0.7 HR/9 in the previous three seasons, but he was taken deep Wednesday by Tommy Edman and Enrique Hernandez. Steele built up to 67 pitches and could face some minor workload limitations for his first couple starts stateside as he continues to build up his arm. |
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Mar 11 2025 | Steele (illness) allowed seven runs on 10 hits across 3.2 innings in Tuesday's Cactus League game against the Brewers. He struck out three. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After being scratched from his scheduled start last week due to flu-like symptoms, Steele got bumped back to Tuesday and struggled with the extra time off, allowing three home runs in the short outing. The lefty finishes his spring training schedule with a rough 9.35 ERA across three appearances. Despite that, Steele is slated to start the Cubs' second game against the Dodgers in Tokyo on March 19. |
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Mar 7 2025 | Steele (illness) is feeling better and will get some throwing in at the Cubs' spring training complex Friday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele had been scheduled to start Thursday's Cactus League game against the Royals but had to stay home while battling the flu. The lefty is expected to get in one more appearance, likely in a simulated game, before making his first start of the regular season March 19 against the Dodgers in Tokyo. |
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Mar 6 2025 | Steele was scratched from his scheduled start Thursday due to flu-like symptoms, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele had been set to make his third start of the spring Thursday, but he'll instead have to wait until his illness passes. While he recovers, Ben Brown will step in to start against the Royals. |
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Mar 1 2025 | Steele could incorporate his changeup more often in 2025 after throwing it 3.3% of the time last season, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: While 3.3% isn't a particularly high rate, it did mark a new career high for Steele, who threw his changeup 2.1% of the time in 2022 and just 1% of the time in 2023. The lefty mostly utilizes a fastball-slider mix, but working in his off-speed stuff more frequently could help him keep hitters off balance. Expect Steele to continue to work on the pitch in spring training, and if he develops confidence in it, he could increase his usage during the regular season. The 29-year-old missed some time due to injury in 2024 but was effective when healthy, posting a 3.07 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 135 strikeouts across 134.2 innings. |
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Feb 23 2025 | Steele tossed two scoreless innings in Saturday's Cactus League game against the White Sox. He allowed two hits and struck out five. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: In his first action of the spring, Steele already appeared to be in midseason form. The lefty was limited to only 24 starts last year due to hamstring and forearm injuries, but he was effective when healthy, compiling a 3.07 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 135:37 K:BB across 134.2 innings. Steele figures to slot in behind Shota Imanaga in Chicago's rotation this season, giving the Cubs an imposing 1-2 punch, and both are attractive options for fantasy managers. |
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Feb 19 2025 | Manager Craig Counsell said Wednesday that Steele is lined up to start March 19 against the Dodgers in the second of two games in Tokyo, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele is expected to oppose Roki Sasaki, although the Dodgers have not yet made that official. Steele, 29, was limited to 24 starts last season due to hamstring and forearm injuries, but he pitched well when on the bump, collecting a 3.07 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 135:37 K:BB across 134.2 innings. |
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Jan 9 2025 | The Cubs and Steele avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year $6.55 million contract Thursday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-hander had been eligible for salary arbitration for the second time. Steele missed a little time with injury in 2024 but was highly effective again when on the bump, putting up a 3.07 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 135:37 K:BB across 134.2 innings. |
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Sep 25 2024 | Steele didn't factor into the decision in Tuesday's 10-4 win over the Phillies, allowing two runs on four hits over four innings. He struck out three without issuing a walk. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele only threw 62 pitches Tuesday as he continues to work his way back from a three-week absence due to elbow tendinitis. The left-hander will likely wrap up an injury-hampered campaign with a 3.07 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 135:37 K:BB across 134.2 innings. |
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Sep 18 2024 | Steele came away with a no-decision in Wednesday's 5-3 loss to the A's, allowing two hits and three walks over 2.2 scoreless innings. He struck out one. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Activated from the IL earlier in the day after completing his recovery from elbow tendinitis, Steele wasn't fully stretched out and tossed 57 pitches (37 strikes) before being lifted. The 29-year-old lefty has had trouble staying healthy this season, but through 130.2 innings he's delivered a strong 3.03 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 132:37 K:BB. With the Cubs teetering on the verge of being eliminated from the playoffs, they could shuffle their rotation as their focus turns to 2025, but Steele is currently scheduled to make his next start on the road early next week against the Phillies. |
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Sep 17 2024 | Cubs manager Craig Counsell announced Tuesday that Steele (elbow) will be reinstated from the 15-day injured list to start Wednesday against the Athletics, Ryan Herrera of AllCHGO.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-hander landed on the shelf after experiencing elbow tendinitis following his last start Aug. 27 in Pittsburgh, and he'll be back with the Cubs for the final week and a half of the campaign. If Chicago sticks to a five-man rotation, Steele tentatively lines up for three starts before the end of the regular season. The 29-year-old has a 3.09 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 131:34 K:BB across 128 innings this season. |
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Sep 14 2024 | Steele (elbow) told reporters after his bullpen session Saturday that he expects to be activated off the 15-day injured list during the Cubs' upcoming homestand, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele landed on the 15-day injured list Sept. 4 due to left elbow tendinitis. He threw a couple of bullpen sessions after some rest, and the 29-year-old southpaw appears to be nearing a return without the need of a rehab assignment. The earliest Steele can be activated off the IL is Sept. 18, which would be the series finale against the Athletics, though the Cubs could wait until the following series against the Nationals. Steele has a 5-5 record over 22 starts this season with a 3.09 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 131:34 K:BB across 128 innings. |
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Sep 11 2024 | Steele (elbow) threw a bullpen session Wednesday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wednesday marks the first time Steele has thrown off a mound since he landed on the injured list last Wednesday, and he's slated to throw another bullpen session over the weekend. Assuming everything goes smoothly, the 29-year-old lefty could be cleared to face live hitters sometime next week and still has a good chance to pitch again before the end of the season. |
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Sep 9 2024 | The Cubs are hopeful Steele will be cleared to throw a bullpen session at some point during the current road trip, which runs until Sunday in Colorado, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Craig Counsell noted that Steele hasn't experienced any issues while playing catch, so the next step will be for the southpaw to resume throwing off a mound. He'll likely be asked to complete a side session or two before getting the green light to face live hitters. |
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Sep 4 2024 | The Cubs placed Steele on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with left elbow tendinitis, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele had to be scratched from his scheduled start Tuesday due to inflammation in his elbow, and he'll now officially sit out for another few turns through the rotation following his latest diagnosis. Kyle Hendricks started in Steele's place against the Pirates and figures to serve as Chicago's fifth starter while the left-hander is sidelined. |
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Sep 3 2024 | Steele has been diagnosed with left elbow inflammation following an MRI, Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He will undergo additional imaging, but the left-hander received good news from the initial test results. Steele had to be scratched from a scheduled start Tuesday versus the Pirates due to elbow soreness, which he admitted he's been dealing with for a while. No decision has been made regarding a potential stint on the 15-day injured list, but it's a move that seems likely. Kyle Hendricks is starting in Steele's place Tuesday. |
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Sep 2 2024 | Steele will not start Tuesday's game against the Pirates after experiencing elbow soreness, Kyle Williams of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Craig Counsell didn't provide many details, and it's unclear whether Steele will require imaging or a potential stint on the injured list. Kyle Hendricks will make a spot start in his place. |
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Aug 27 2024 | Steele (5-5) earned the win Tuesday against the Pirates, allowing two runs on six hits and two walks over five innings. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Both runs scored in the opening frame, as Pittsburgh sent seven batters to the plate while Steele labored through 19 pitches. However, the 29-year-old cruised through the next four innings, not allowing a runner to reach second. With this 93-pitch performance, the Chicago southpaw collected his fifth win in his last 10 starts. Over that span, he has pitched to a 2.97 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 61:18 K:BB across 57.2 innings. Steele is currently slated to face the Pirates again his upcoming turn in the rotation next week. |
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Aug 22 2024 | Steele (4-5) picked up the win Thursday against Detroit, allowing two runs on four hits and no walks across seven innings. He struck out 10. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele blanked the Tigers on two hits across the first six innings before allowing a single to Colt Keith and a two-run homer to Spencer Torkelson back-to-back in the seventh. The left-handed Steele reached double-digit strikeouts for the first time this season. In 21 starts, Steele has a 3.07 ERA and a 125:32 K:BB across 123 innings. Steele is on track to face the Pirates in Pittsburgh for his next start. |
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Aug 17 2024 | Steele did not factor into the decision in Saturday's 3-2 win over the Blue Jays, walking one and striking out three across two scoreless innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele was pulled with a 1-0 lead after the game was delayed twice due to rain. He entered Saturday having logged two consecutive quality starts and looked strong in his only two innings of work, throwing 23 of 36 pitches for strikes and generating five whiffs. On the season, the southpaw owns a 3.10 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 115:32 K:BB across 116 innings and lines up for a favorable matchup with the Marlins next week. |
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Aug 10 2024 | Steele allowed an unearned run on six hits and two walks while striking out eight over six innings in a no-decision versus the White Sox on Saturday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele posted his second quality start in a row, but he didn't get enough run support while in the game to collect the win. The southpaw has allowed 16 runs (15 earned) over 43.2 innings across his last seven starts, but a pair of five-run outings have affected those numbers. For the year, Steele is at a 3.16 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 112:31 K:BB through 114 innings over 19 starts. He's projected to make his next outing at home versus the Blue Jays. |
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Aug 5 2024 | Steele (3-5) got the win over the Cardinals on Sunday, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out six in 6.2 innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele and the Cubs went down 2-0 in the third after Masyn Winn opened up the scoring with a two-run blast to left. That was the only damage Steele would permit, and he was dominant otherwise, retiring 12 straight batters between the third and seventh innings. Steele has now given up a home run in back-to-back outings, but Sunday was his first start surpassing six innings since July 11. The 28-year-old lefty owns a 3.33 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 104:29 K:BB in 108 innings and lines up for a matchup against the reeling White Sox his next time on the mound. |
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Jul 31 2024 | Steele (2-5) took the loss Tuesday against Cincinnati, allowing five runs on six hits and four walks across five innings. He struck out seven. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Three of the six hits Steele allowed Tuesday went for extra bases, including a two-run home run by Santiago Espinal in the second inning. Tuesday's outing marked Steele's second time allowing five runs in his last three starts, a stretch in which he's also walked nine batters in 15 innings. On the year, Steele has a 3.38 ERA and 1.11 WHIP across 101.1 innings. The left-hander is on track to close out a two-start week Sunday against the Cardinals. |
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Jul 24 2024 | Steele did not factor into the decision in Wednesday's loss to the Brewers, allowing two earned runs on six hits and three walks while striking out four in 5.1 innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele came out of the All-Star break flat, yielding five earned runs on nine hits in his previous start. Wednesday's outing was certainly an improvement, but his 4:3 K:BB was underwhelming, especially compared to his pre-intermission production. In nine starts leading up to the All-Star break, Steele dazzled with a 1.48 ERA, 0.85 WHIP and a 58:12 K:BB ratio in 61 innings. The southpaw will look to find his form in his next start, currently scheduled for early next week in Cincinnati. |
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Jul 19 2024 | Steele (2-4) took the loss Friday against the Diamondbacks, allowing five runs on nine hits and two walks over 4.2 innings. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was a tough start to the second half for Steele, who allowed a season-high nine hits en route to his first loss since June 7. The left-hander delivered seven straight quality starts prior to the All-Star break, posting a stellar 1.65 ERA in that span (49 innings). Steele's ERA now sits at 3.07 with a 1.02 WHIP and 87:20 K:BB across 15 starts (91 innings) this season. He'll look to get back on track in his next outing, currently scheduled for next week at home against Milwaukee. |
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Jul 11 2024 | Steele (2-3) earned the win over Baltimore on Thursday, pitching seven scoreless innings during which he gave up three hits and issued no walks while striking out four batters. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele shut down a potent Orioles lineup, retiring the first 11 batters he faced and allowing just three baserunners (all on doubles) overall. The left-hander couldn't get into the win column over his first 12 starts but has now notched consecutive victories, allowing just one run over 16 innings while posting an 11:2 K:BB during that stretch. Steele's excellence extends further than that -- he's posted seven straight quality starts, registering a 1.65 ERA and 45:7 K:BB across 49 frames over that span. |
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Jul 5 2024 | Steele (1-3) earned the win against the Angels on Friday, allowing one run on two hits and two walks with seven strikeouts over nine innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele needed just 95 pitches to toss his first career complete game. The only blemish was an RBI single by Taylor Ward in the fifth, but the lefty responded by retiring 13 consecutive batters to seal his much overdue first win of the year. The 29-year-old has logged six straight quality starts and owns a 2.95 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 77:18 K:BB over 79.1 innings this season. He lines up for a road matchup with the Orioles next week. |
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Jun 29 2024 | Steele allowed three runs on seven hits and no walks while striking out five batters over six innings in a no-decision against Milwaukee on Saturday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele gave up a pair of runs in the third inning and another in the fourth but finished his outing by retiring seven straight batters. The southpaw stuck around just long enough to notch his fifth straight quality start, though this was his least impressive appearance during that span. Over the five-game stretch, Steele has posted a 2.18 ERA and 34:5 K:BB over 33 innings, but he doesn't have a win to show for that success. |
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Jun 24 2024 | Steele allowed two runs on six hits and a walk while striking out nine over 7.1 innings in a no-decision versus the Giants on Monday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The downside to Steele's outing was that two of the hits on his line were solo home runs from Matt Chapman and Nick Ahmed. The southpaw hadn't given up a homer in any of his last five starts, and the Giants were able to continue their comeback push against the Cubs' bullpen to deny Steele his first win of the year. Despite the lack of positive results, he's logged five quality starts in 11 outings with a 3.08 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 65:16 K:BB over 64.1 innings. Steele is projected for a tough road matchup at Milwaukee this weekend. |
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Jun 18 2024 | Steele did not factor into the decision in Tuesday's 5-2 win over the Giants, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks over 6.2 innings. He struck out eight. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Chicago southpaw posted his third straight quality start as he generated 14 whiffs en route to eight punchouts, tying the season high he'd set May 27 against Milwaukee. The Giants managed to collect both runs against Steele on a fifth-inning double yielded to Curt Casali. Although Steele is still searching for his first win, he's been a dependable arm with a 3.16 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 56:15 K:BB over 57 innings this season. He's scheduled make his next start against the Giants again, but in San Francisco. |
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Jun 13 2024 | Steele did not factor into the decision in Thursday's 3-2 loss to Tampa Bay, allowing three hits and one walk while striking out five over six scoreless innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele cruised through five innings then ran into some trouble in the sixth, but he escaped a bases loaded-jam and departed with a 2-0 lead at 93 total pitches. Steele earned his third quality start in his past four outings, but he is still winless on the season after the bullpen allowed three runs. Despite the tough luck, Steele's 3.22 ERA and 1.09 WHIP through nine starts are actually lower than his ratios last season, when he finished fifth in NL Cy Young voting. He will try to earn his first win against the Giants next Tuesday. |
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Jun 8 2024 | Steele (0-3) took the loss Friday, giving up three runs on five hits and a walk over seven innings as the Cubs were downed 3-2 by the Reds. He struck out seven. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw pitched well in his second quality start of the season, generating 30 called or swinging strikes among his 90 pitches, but a lack of run support kept him out of the win column once again. Steele appears to be rounding into form after missing all of April with a hamstring strain, and over his last three starts he sports a 1.89 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 20:6 K:BB through 19 innings. He'll look for that first victory of 2024 in his next outing, which is scheduled to come on the road next week in Tampa Bay. |
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Jun 1 2024 | Steele allowed five runs (one earned) on seven hits and four walks while striking out five batters over five innings in a no-decision against Cincinnati on Saturday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele's fantasy stat line wasn't disastrous since only one of the five runs charged to him was earned, but he was far from sharp, especially in terms of control. The southpaw hit a batter in addition to issuing a season-high four walks, and he threw just 58 of 98 pitches for strikes. Steele is usually much better at limiting free passes -- before Saturday, he had issued only seven walks over six starts -- so this was likely just a bump in the road for him. He's been decent with a 4.10 ERA and 1.21 WHIP across 37.1 innings this season but has yet to pick up a win. |
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May 27 2024 | Steele did not factor into the decision Monday against Milwaukee, allowing three hits and one walk over seven shutout innings. He struck out eight. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele posted his best start since returning from a hamstring injury May 6, generating 13 whiffs in 93 total pitches. The Cubs lefty limited a ferocious Brewers offense that entered with the fourth-best team wRC+ at 115, allowing Milwaukee to scatter only four singles. Steele's ERA is now 4.45 over total 32.1 innings with 31:7 K:BB. The 28-year-old is currently slated to face the Reds at home in his next start. |
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May 22 2024 | Steele (0-2) took the loss against Atlanta on Wednesday, allowing five runs on six hits and one walk while striking out five over 6.1 innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele made short work of the first six batters he faced in the contest before giving up a leadoff single to Michael Harris to open the third, followed by a two-run shot off the bat of Adam Duvall. The lefty then appeared to settle in over the next three frames, but again found himself in trouble after allowing three of the first four batters to reach in the seventh. He would end up being charged with another three runs in the inning, with two coming home after he was relieved by Jose Cuas. Steele has now given up four or more runs in three consecutive starts and is still looking for his first win of the season. On a positive note, Thursday also marked the first time this season in which he's gotten through six innings. |
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May 17 2024 | Steele (0-1) took the loss against the Pirates on Thursday, surrendering five runs on six hits and one walk over 5.2 innings. He struck out seven. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Pirates tagged Steele for two runs in the top of the first on a two-run shot from Edward Olivares and proceeded to tack on runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings. The lefty produced only one 1-2-3 inning on the night and allowed at least five runs for the second consecutive start. Steele has yet to make it through six innings in a start this year, though he did record a season-high seven strikeouts in Thursday's loss. |
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May 11 2024 | Steele escaped with a no-decision in Saturday's 10-9 loss to the Pirates, surrendering six runs on six hits -- including three home runs -- and two walks over four innings. He struck out three. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Making just his third start of the season after missing all of April with a hamstring strain, Steele served up homers to Connor Joe and Oneil Cruz in the third inning and Michael Taylor in the fourth, but he got taken off the hook for the loss thanks to a seven-run fifth by the Cubs. Steele has yet to complete five innings in an outing and threw just 74 pitches (53 strikes) Saturday, but he should begin to get stretched out further as he puts the injury further behind him. Steele will take a 4.73 ERA and 11:4 K:BB through 13.1 innings into his next start, which lines up to be a rematch with the Pirates back in Wrigley Field next week. |
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May 6 2024 | Steele allowed three hits and a walk over 4.2 scoreless innings in a no-decision Monday. He struck out two during the loss to San Diego. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele made his first start since straining his hamstring during his Opening Day outing. He showed no signs of rust but was clearly on a limit, as he threw only 68 pitches. He gave up one extra-base hit but otherwise kept San Diego's bats quiet. Steele has given up one run through 9.1 innings in two starts this season. The 28-year-old should be able to pitch deeper in his next outing, which is lined up to be in Pittsburgh this weekend. |
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May 3 2024 | Steele (hamstring) will start Monday against the Padres as long as he gets through a bullpen session Saturday with no issues, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The results of Steele's lone rehab start weren't great -- he allowed three runs on six hits over 3.1 innings -- but he feels good and has put his hamstring injury in the rearview mirror, which is the most important thing. Steele threw 63 pitches in his rehab outing Wednesday, so he will be somewhat limited from a workload perspective Monday, assuming he is indeed cleared to rejoin the Cubs' rotation that day. |
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May 1 2024 | Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Wednesday that everything went well during Steele's (hamstring) rehab start with Triple-A Iowa, and the left-hander will meet with the team Friday after a Thursday workout, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 28-year-old hurt his hamstring in late March, but he's in the latter stages of his rehab program. It was only the first rehab outing for Steele, but if he checks out well Friday it's possible his next start comes with the big-league club. |
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Apr 29 2024 | Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Monday that it's possible Steele (hamstring) rejoins the rotation after his rehab start with Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-hander's rehab start Wednesday will be his first outing since he suffered a left hamstring strain back on Opening Day. As long as Steele gets his pitch count up to a high enough threshold and recovers well from the start, it sounds like he could be back with the Cubs early next week. |
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Apr 27 2024 | Manager Craig Counsell said Saturday that Steele (hamstring) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Counsell didn't say how many starts the Cubs want Steele to make in the minors, but the 28-year-old southpaw is likely in for multiple rehab outings after sitting out roughly a month due to a strained left hamstring. Assuming his assignment goes smoothly, Steele will likely return to Chicago's rotation toward the middle of May. |
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Apr 23 2024 | Steele (hamstring) went through pitchers' fielding practice Tuesday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele was fielding a ball back on Opening Day when he suffered a strained left hamstring that sent him to the injured list, so this was an important step. He also threw a live batting practice session Sunday. Assuming he gets through Tuesday's workout with no problems, Steele should be cleared to begin a rehab assignment. |
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Apr 19 2024 | Steele (hamstring) will throw a live batting practice session Sunday, Tony Andracki of Marquee Sports Network reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: If Steele gets through the session with no issues, a rehab assignment could be the next step. The left-hander is working his way back from a left hamstring strain which he suffered Opening Day. It's not clear at this point how many rehab starts he might be asked to make before rejoining the Cubs' rotation. |
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Apr 13 2024 | Steele (hamstring) will throw a bullpen session Saturday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It would appear to be the first time he's thrown from the bump since he went down with a Grade 1 left hamstring strain on Opening Day. The Cubs anticipate Steele missing the rest of April, but he would appear to be tracking toward a return in early May. |
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Mar 30 2024 | Manager Craig Counsell said Saturday that he expects Steele (hamstring) to miss the entire month of April, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele was officially diagnosed with a Grade 1 left hamstring strain Saturday, and the Cubs will hold off on starting his throwing program until he is able to walk without limping. An exact timetable for the left-hander's return will likely have to wait until he starts throwing again, but Counsell noted that he expects Steele to rejoin the rotation sometime during May. In the meantime, his spot will be given to Ben Brown, who was recalled from Triple-A Iowa on Saturday. |
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Mar 28 2024 | Steele was diagnosed with a left hamstring strain Thursday and will be placed on the injured list, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele suffered the injury in Thursday's season opener against the Rangers as he attempted to field a bunt. Manager Craig Counsell didn't commit to a minimum 15-day stint for Steele, but a clearer timeline should emerge after he undergoes an MRI on Friday. With Jameson Taillon (back) also sidelined, the Cubs rotation is shorthanded. Drew Smyly is a candidate to shift from a relief to starting role as a result. |
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Mar 25 2024 | Steele (knee) declared himself ready to start Thursday's season opener versus the Rangers in Arlington after he threw a bullpen session Monday without incident, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Even though he left early in his final Cactus League start Friday against the Giants due to a left knee contusion, Steele never appeared to be in legitimate danger of missing out on the Opening Day assignment. Before hurting his knee Friday, Steele had built up to 64 pitches and four innings in his prior Cactus League start March 12, so he should be capable of giving the Cubs at least 75 pitches and five innings in Thursday's opener. The 28-year-old lefty is coming off a breakout 2023 campaign in which he went 16-5 with a 3.06 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 176:36 K:BB over 173.1 innings en route to a fifth-place finish in the National League Cy Young Award balloting. |
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Mar 23 2024 | Manager Craig Counsell said Saturday that Steele (knee) is still scheduled to start for the Cubs on Opening Day against Texas, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele's status for the first game of the season had been in question after he took a hard comebacker off his left knee Friday against San Francisco. However, he only suffered a bruise as a result of the incident, and his knee doesn't seem to be bothering him enough to keep him off the mound. Steele owns a 4.91 ERA through 11 spring innings and will be making the first Opening Day start of his career Thursday. |
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Mar 22 2024 | Steele suffered a left knee contusion during Friday's Cactus League game against the Giants, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele was hit in the knee by a comebacker off the bat of Luis Matos during the second inning of Friday's contest, but it seems Steele managed to escape without any serious injuries. It remains to be seen whether he'll start as scheduled on Opening Day, but a trip to the injured list appears unlikely for the 28-year-old southpaw. Steele has allowed six earned runs across 11 innings this spring while striking out 13 batters and walking two. |
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Mar 9 2024 | Manager Craig Counsell confirmed Saturday that Steele will start for the Cubs on Opening Day versus Texas, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Coming off the best season of his three-year career, Steele will be awarded his first Opening Day start. The 28-year-old southpaw finished last season with a 3.06 ERA and 1.17 WHIP alongside a 176:36 K:BB across 173.1 innings, and he finished fifth in NL Cy Young Award voting. Steele has gotten off to a slow start in Cactus League play, allowing four runs in six innings, but he figures to put together another strong campaign in 2024 if he stays healthy. |
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Mar 3 2024 | Steele said his goal for 2024 is to make at least 30 starts and log 180 or more innings for the first time in his career, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele made exactly 30 starts in 2023 and tossed a career-high 173.1 innings. It was a decent jump from the 119 innings he recorded in 2022, but the southpaw didn't seem bothered by the larger workload, as he recorded a strong 3.06 ERA and 1.17 WHIP, which were both improvements from the previous season. Steele is likely in line to start on Opening Day for the Cubs, and if he can stay healthy this year, another big performance could be in store for the emerging ace. |
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Jan 11 2024 | The Cubs and Steele avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $4 million contract Thursday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's a substantial raise for Steele after he qualified for Super 2 status. The left-handed earned the salary bump after finishing fifth in the National League Cy Young voting in 2023 following a 3.06 ERA and 176:36 K:BB across 173.1 innings covering 30 starts. |
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Oct 1 2023 | Steele won't start Sunday against the Brewers after the Cubs were eliminated from playoff contention Saturday, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Cubs stumbled down the stretch and are no longer in postseason contention, so they won't send out their ace for the final game of the season. Steele struggled over his final three outings with 15 runs allowed, but he was in the thick of the race for the NL Cy Young Award for most of the campaign and will finish his third year in MLB with a 3.06 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 176:36 K:BB over 173.1 innings. |
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Sep 26 2023 | Steele did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing three runs on six hits and a walk over 5.1 innings against Atlanta. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele held Atlanta off the board through five innings Tuesday before surrendering three runs in the sixth. Chicago's bullpen would ultimately squander a three-run lead, leaving Steele with a no-decision. Despite a tough finish, it was a step in the right direction for the left-hander after he allowed six runs in each of his prior two outings. Steele will carry a 3.06 ERA, 1.17. WHIP and 176 strikeouts into his final start of the regular season, currently scheduled for this weekend in Milwaukee. |
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Sep 20 2023 | Steele (16-5) allowed six runs on eight hits and struck out six without walking a batter over three-plus innings, taking the loss Wednesday versus the Pirates. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele was cruising through three innings, but he allowed six straight singles to open the fourth. That produced four runs, and two more were tacked onto Steele's line when Jose Cuas allowed a three-run home run to Josh Palacios. It appears Steele may be wearing down late in the year, as he's allowed 12 runs over his last nine innings while taking back-to-back losses for the first time. He's throw 168 innings this year, 49 more than his previous high in a season, which was set last year. Despite this poor outing, he still has a 3.00 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 170:35 K:BB over 29 starts. The southpaw is projected for a challenging road start in Atlanta next week. |
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Sep 15 2023 | Steele (16-4) allowed six runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out five over six innings to take the loss Friday versus the Diamondbacks. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The six runs allowed matched Steele's season high, as well as the total of runs he gave up over his last 33 innings across five starts. The loss was his first since July 16, and it was just the third time all year he's allowed multiple home runs. Steele is now at a 2.73 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 164:35 K:BB through 165 innings over 28 starts. He's lined up for a favorable home start versus the Pirates next week. |
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Sep 9 2023 | Steele allowed just one run on six hits across seven innings but did not factor into the decision Saturday against the Diamondbacks. He had no walks and struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele dazzled, but the Cubs managed just one run while he was in there and only two for the whole game as they fell in 10 innings. The lefty was excellent nonetheless, and over his last five starts he has a 1.36 ERA with 39 strikeouts across 33 innings. For the season, Steele has a stellar 2.49 ERA, and he's firmly in the NL Cy Young race. He'll look to keep rolling and pick up his 17th win in his next scheduled start, which is penciled in for Friday against these same Diamondbacks. |
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Sep 4 2023 | Steele (16-3) earned the win Monday against the Giants, striking out 12 over eight shutout innings. He scattered two hits and two walks. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele shined in front of the holiday crowd at Wrigley Field, notching a career-high 12 punchouts. The one-time All-Star now has seven wins in his last nine starts, dating back to July 21. He has produced a 2.64 ERA and 66 strikeouts in 54.2 innings over that span. |
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Aug 30 2023 | Steele (15-3) earned the win Tuesday, allowing six hits and one walk over six scoreless innings against the Brewers. He struck out eight. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele collected his third straight quality start Tuesday, holding the Brewers scoreless across six innings of action while fanning eight batters. Though the southpaw has only gone deeper than 6.1 innings twice this season, he's surrendered three or fewer earned runs in 14 consecutive appearances. Steele boasts a 2.69 ERA and 141:31 K:BB across 144 innings on the year and is expected to take on the Reds at Great American Ball Park for his next outing. |
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Aug 24 2023 | Steele did not factor into the decision Thursday, allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits and two walks over six innings against the Pirates. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele hasn't allowed more than three earned runs in a start since May 26. Though he came away with a no-decision Thursday, the 28-year-old southpaw's logged quality starts in nine of his last 11 outings. Steele's 14-3 on the season with a 1.17 WHIP and 133:30 K:BB across 24 starts (138 innings). He's currently lined up for a home matchup with the Brewers in his next outing early next week. |
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Aug 19 2023 | Steele (14-3) earned the win Saturday, allowing two runs on six hits over six innings against the Royals. He struck out seven. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele found himself in some trouble after giving up back-to-back hits to open the second inning but managed to retire the next three batters as the Royals got one run across. The right-hander surrendered only three more hits from that point on while striking out seven batters for the third start in a row. Steele has now won his last five decisions (spanning six starts) and eight of his last nine. He has not allowed more than three earned runs since May 26 and his 14 wins have him tied with Spencer Strider for the major league lead. |
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Aug 13 2023 | Steele did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing three runs on six hits over five innings against the Blue Jays while striking out seven. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele didn't have his best stuff Saturday, allowing at least one hit in four of his five innings of work and serving up a two-run homer to Whit Merrifield. The lefty had won each of his last four decisions coming in and has now allowed three runs in three straight outings to open the month of August. On a positive note, Steele did not issue a walk Saturday for the second time in his last three starts, and he's put together a solid 20:4 K:BB over that stretch. |
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Aug 6 2023 | Steele (13-3) allowed four runs (three earned) on eight hits and four walks while striking out seven over 5.1 innings to earn the win over Atlanta on Sunday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele has allowed no fewer than seven baserunners in each of his last four starts, but he's emerged with a win in each of them. His four walks Sunday matched his season high. While he's been shaky of late, the left-hander is still at a solid 2.75 ERA with a 1.18 WHIP and 113:28 K:BB through 121 innings over 21 starts this season. He's projected for a road outing in Toronto his next time out. |
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Aug 1 2023 | Steele (12-3) earned the win Tuesday, allowing five runs (four earned) on nine hits and struck out six without walking a batter over six innings in a 20-9 win over Cincinnati. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele was the beneficiary of an offensive explosion Tuesday, as the Cubs put up 20 runs on Cincinnati. The 28-year-old lefty wasn't particularly sharp in this one, but he threw 73 of 101 pitches for strikes and did enough to earn his 12th victory, tying him for the league lead. Prior to this start, Steele hadn't allowed more than three earned runs in an outing since May 26, going 5-1 with a 2.01 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 43:8 K:BB across 44.2 innings during that stretch. He is projected to make his next start at home versus Atlanta. |
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Jul 27 2023 | Steele (11-3) earned the win Thursday, allowing a run on five hits and three walks over six innings in a 10-3 win over St. Louis. He struck out four. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele is now 5-1 over his last seven starts, with a 3.24 ERA in that span. The 28-year-old southpaw allowed just one run Thursday on an Andrew Knizner homer in the fifth inning. Steele's ERA is now down to 2.87 on the season with a 1.12 WHIP and 100:24 K:BB across 19 starts (109.2 innings). He currently lines up for a home matchup with the Reds in his next outing. |
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Jul 21 2023 | Steele (10-3) earned the win Friday, allowing two runs on six hits and one walk over 6.1 innings in a 4-3 victory over the Cardinals. He struck out nine. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele bounced back with a season-high nine strikeouts and submitted his 12th quality start of the year Friday after giving up a season-high six runs to Boston last time out. The left-hander's command has really stood out in 2023, as he's walked one or fewer batters in 14 of his 18 starts and holds a 96:21 K:BB through 103.2 innings. Steele will look to make it back-to-back wins during his next start, which is tentatively scheduled for a rematch against the Cardinals in St. Louis. |
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Jul 16 2023 | Steele (9-3) allowed six runs on 10 hits across six innings to take the loss Sunday against the Red Sox. He had one walk and six strikeouts. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The primary damage came from two Boston home runs, including a Masataka Yoshida grand slam in the fifth inning. Steele has now allowed nine earned runs in his last two starts after allowing just three total runs in his previous four starts. The lefty is up to 97.1 innings this season following a career-high 119 innings last year. It's possible that fatigue becomes a factor for Steele, so the Cubs may decide to skip his turn in the rotation at some point or otherwise limit his workload. He's currently slated to start again Friday against the Cardinals. |
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Jul 5 2023 | Steele allowed three runs on nine hits and no walks while striking out five batters over six innings in a no-decision against Milwaukee on Wednesday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele was excellent through five innings, giving up just one run on five hits. However, he served up a leadoff homer to Willy Adames in the sixth, then allowed one more run on three additional hits over the remainder of the frame. Steele was able to finish the sixth to notch the quality start, and a late Chicago comeback ensured that he didn't take the loss. This was just the fourth time in 16 starts this season that the southpaw has allowed three or more earned runs, which is a testament to how solid he's been overall. Steele ranks sixth among qualified MLB pitchers with a 2.56 ERA and is tied for ninth with 11 quality starts. |
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Jul 1 2023 | Steele (9-2) earned the win Friday, allowing three hits and one walk over 6.1 scoreless innings against Cleveland. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele plunked the first batter he faced and followed that up by committing a throwing error while trying to start a routine double play, bringing Jose Ramirez to the plate with runners on first and second and no outs. However, the left-hander proceeded to retire the next three batters, including strikeouts of Ramirez and Josh Bell, to escape the first and then went on cruise control. The left-hander's scoreless outing lowered his ERA to 2.43, which is the best mark in the National League, and he sports a solid 76:19 K:BB across 85.1 innings. Steele has emerged as a workhorse at the top of Chicago's rotation this year, and his next start is lined up for a divisional matchup in Milwaukee. |
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Jun 24 2023 | Steele (8-2) allowed one run on five hits across six innings to earn the win Saturday against the Cardinals. He walked one and struck out eight. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Cubs jumped out to a 7-0 lead in London and that was more than enough for Steele, who picked up his second straight win since returning from the injured list due to a forearm strain. The lefty is building on last season's breakout campaign, as he now has a stellar 2.62 ERA and 1.06 WHIP across 79 innings this season. Steele will look to keep rolling in his next outing toward the end of next week once the team returns from across the pond. |
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Jun 17 2023 | Steele (7-2) earned the win Saturday, allowing two runs on five hits with one walk over five innings against the Orioles. He struck out four. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele held the Orioles scoreless until the fifth inning when Adley Rutschman took him deep to drive home Austin Hays and tie the game at 2-2. He would make it out of the inning without allowing anymore damage, and the left-hander still managed to earn the win thanks to Chicago's offense immediately responding with a go-ahead run in the bottom of the inning. It was a solid performance for Steele in his return from the 15-day injured list (forearm) and he now sits at seven wins on the season behind a very strong 2.71 ERA. |
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Jun 16 2023 | Steele (forearm) will rejoin the Cubs' rotation Saturday against the Orioles, Jared Wyllys of AllCHGO.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele got through a bullpen session Thursday without any hiccups, officially clearing the way for his activation from the injured list. The left-hander will be returning when first eligible and is skipping a rehab assignment, so it's possible he won't quite be ready for a full workload against Baltimore. Steele posted a 2.65 ERA in 12 starts before going down with a left forearm strain. |
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Jun 13 2023 | Steele (forearm) is throwing a bullpen session Tuesday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele appears to be tracking toward a return from the 15-day injured list when first eligible this Saturday against the Orioles, assuming the Cubs aren't going to ask him to make a minor-league rehab start. The 27-year-old has progressed without issue so far in his recovery from a mild left forearm strain. |
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Jun 7 2023 | Cubs manager David Ross said Wednesday that Steele (forearm) is on track to return June 17 against the Orioles, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: That is the exact date that Steele will first become eligible to be activated from the 15-day injured list. He was diagnosed late last week with a left forearm strain, but it's considered relatively minor and he is set to throw a "touch-and-feel" side session Wednesday, per Ross. The 27-year-old southpaw had worked to a sharp 2.65 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 58:16 K:BB through 12 starts (68 innings) prior to the IL stint. |
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Jun 3 2023 | Steele was placed on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to June 2, with a left forearm strain by the Cubs on Saturday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele was removed from Wednesday's start with a "mild" left forearm strain, and it's not a surprise that the southpaw will miss a couple of weeks while he recovers. Miguel Amaya has been recalled from Triple-A Iowa to take Steele's place on the roster. The Cubs will likely make another roster move when Steele's turn in the rotation comes up. |
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Jun 2 2023 | Steele was diagnosed Friday with a mild left forearm strain, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's relatively good news for Steele, who was removed from his last turn in the Cubs' rotation Wednesday against the Rays after experiencing forearm tightness. He's yet to be placed on the injured list, though that move could still happen following another day or two of assessment and evaluation. The 27-year-old southpaw has been excellent so far in 2023, working to a 2.65 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 58:16 K:BB through 12 starts covering 68 innings. |
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May 31 2023 | Cubs manager David Ross said Steele will undergo an MRI on his left forearm Thursday, Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ross had no other information, and the MRI might just be precautionary, but there's an ominous feeling to this situation after Steele was forced from his start Wednesday afternoon against the Rays due to forearm tightness. He had thrown three perfect frames prior to his departure, lowering his season ERA to 2.65. If the 27-year-old southpaw requires a stint on the 15-day injured list -- which seems likely even if the MRI is clean -- Hayden Wesneski would be a good bet to fill the vacant rotation spot. |
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May 26 2023 | Steele (6-2) took the loss Friday, allowing six runs (five earned) on 10 hits over 3.2 innings during a 9-0 loss to the Reds. He struck out four and did not issue a walk. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele got roughed up Friday, allowing a season-high 10 hits and at least five earned runs for the second time over his past three starts, but he's still been solid to start 2023. He doesn't face any threats to his spot in the rotation and sports above-average numbers with a 2.77 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 57:16 K:BB over 11 appearances (65 innings). For the most part, the left-hander has relied on a two-pitch mix, but he may need to work in a third offering to switch things up after a couple of poor outings. |
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May 21 2023 | Steele did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing four hits and a walk over six scoreless innings against the Phillies. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele was sharp Sunday, blanking a powerful Phillies lineup over six innings after allowing a season-high five runs against the Astros in his last outing. The 27-year-old left-hander is 6-1 this season with a sparkling 2.20 ERA and 1.01 WHIP and 53:16 K:BB through 10 starts (61.1 innings). Steele's 7.78 K/9 would be a career low, though he's held opponents to a 24.3 percent hard-hit rate, putting him in the 97th percentile in the league. |
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May 16 2023 | Steele (6-1) allowed five runs on five hits across six innings to take the loss Tuesday against the Astros. He walked one and struck out eight. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele took his first loss of the season but actually pitched pretty well by scattering six baserunners across six innings while tying his season high in strikeouts. Houston is a tough place to pitch, and the lefty still has a solid 2.44 ERA, so he should bounce back quickly. Steele is tentatively set to take the hill again Sunday against the Phillies. |
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May 10 2023 | Steele (6-0) allowed three runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out three over six innings to earn the win Wednesday over the Cardinals. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: By his lofty standards in 2023, this was somewhat of a disappointing effort. That said, Steele turned in his seventh quality start in eight outings, and he remains undefeated on the season, though he can thank his offense for strong run support in Wednesday's contest. The southpaw has a 1.82 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 39:14 K:BB through 49.1 innings over eight starts. He's projected for a tough road start in Houston next week. |
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May 6 2023 | Steele (5-0) picked up the win in Friday's 4-1 victory over the Marlins, allowing one run on six hits over seven innings. He struck out four without walking a batter. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw was sharp once again, tossing 64 of 86 pitches for strikes and shutting out Miami through five innings. Steele's ability to limit homers has been his strongest asset so far in 2023 -- he's kept the ball in the yard in six of his seven starts. The 27-year-old will take a 1.45 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 36:11 K:BB through 43.1 innings into his next outing, likely to come at home next week against the Cardinals. |
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Apr 30 2023 | Steele did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing three runs (two earned) on seven hits and a walk over six innings in a 4-3 loss against the Marlins. He struck out three. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele is off to an excellent start this season, recording quality starts in five out of his six outings, and has yet to allow more than two earned runs in a start. The 27-year-old left-hander is 4-0 with a 1.49 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 32:11 K:BB. Steele has excelled at limiting hard contact while inducing a 56% ground ball rate. He's tentatively lined up to face the Marlins again at home in his next outing. |
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Apr 1 2023 | Steele struck out eight batters in six scoreless innings Saturday against the Brewers, walking one and allowing three hits. He did not factor in to the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele impressed last season to the tune of a 3.18 ERA in 24 starts, and his first outing of 2023 indicates there's more where that came from. Saturday's outing stands as one of the best of his young career, as only once last season did he throw six shutout innings (incidentally also against the Brewers). It wasn't enough to secure the victory, however, as the Brewers would go on to take a 3-1 lead in the eighth inning. Steele will look to have another strong start next week against the Rangers. |
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Mar 20 2023 | Steele allowed one run on four hits across three innings in Monday's Cactus League game against the Padres. He walked five and struck out three. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele is somewhat lucky he only allowed one run after letting nine players reach base in his three innings of work. The lefty had a nice 2022 campaign with a 3.18 ERA and 126 strikeouts across 119 innings, though control remains a bit of an issue. Steele posted a 4.3 BB/9 in 2021 and was only marginally better last year with a 3.8 BB/9. If the 27-year-old can improve in that area this season, he could be primed for another step forward. |
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Mar 5 2023 | Steele (arm) tossed two scoreless innings in Friday's Cactus League game against the Angels. He allowed no hits or walks and did not record a strikeout. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele was scratched from an earlier spring start due to arm fatigue, but he looked good in his Cactus League debut. While the lefty didn't have any strikeouts, he recorded 126 of them across 119 innings last season, so he should start to pick up more strikeouts as he gets rolling. Steele will be looking to build on his 2022 breakout as Chicago's No. 3 starter this year behind Marcus Stroman and Jameson Taillon. |
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Mar 2 2023 | Steele (arm) is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut Friday against the Padres, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele got the go-ahead after throwing another successful bullpen session Tuesday in Cubs camp. The 27-year-old left-hander came down with a bit of arm soreness last week, but all is well now as he readies himself for a spot in Chicago's season-opening starting rotation. He posted an impressive 3.18 ERA with 126 strikeouts over 119 innings in 2022. |
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Feb 28 2023 | Steele (arm) is expected to make his Cactus League debut sometime this weekend, Tony Andracki of the Marquee Sports Network reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele was scratched from a scheduled Cactus League start this past Sunday due to arm soreness, but he made it through a bullpen session without issue Tuesday in Cubs camp. As long as everything goes more smoothly from this point forward, the 27-year-old left-hander should be ready to open the 2023 campaign as a mid-rotation starter on the North Side of Chicago. |
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Feb 27 2023 | Steele (arm) said he's scheduled to throw a bullpen session Tuesday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Cubs scratched Steele from his planned Cactus League debut this past Saturday against the Giants, citing general arm fatigue. Fortunately for Steele, the issue doesn't appear to be anything more significant, as he'll likely get the green light to make his first spring start later this week if the bullpen session goes according to plan. The southpaw already says that he feels like he can cover 2-to-3 innings, despite missing his first turn through the spring rotation. |
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Feb 26 2023 | Steele was scratched from Sunday's spring start against the Dodgers due to general arm fatigue, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-hander hasn't been shut down from throwing and is scheduled for a bullpen session within the next couple days, but it's still a concerning development early in spring training. If Steele's bullpen goes well, he could take the mound in Chicago's next turn through the rotation. |
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Feb 20 2023 | Steele could slot in as the Cubs' No. 3 starter to begin the regular season, Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic report. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With Kyle Hendricks (shoulder) expected to begin the year on the injured list, Chicago's rotation is somewhat thinned out. Marcus Stroman should lead the way, followed by the newly signed Jameson Taillon. After that, it's fairly wide open, with Steele, Drew Smyly, Adrian Sampson and Hayden Wesneski likely battling for three spots. Steele posted a solid 3.18 ERA and 126 strikeouts across 119 innings last year, so the lefty figures to have one of the spots secured. |
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Sep 28 2022 | Manager David Ross said Wednesday that Steele (back) isn't expected to be reinstated from the injured list prior to the end of the regular season, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele threw a successful bullpen session Tuesday and is expected to throw another high-intensity session soon. While the left-hander might have been in the mix for a late-season return if the Cubs were in playoff contention, the team will elect not to rush him back for a short appearance prior to the end of the regular season. Steele had a career-best season in 2022, posting a 3.18 ERA and 1.35 WHIP in 119 innings over 24 starts, and he should be able to have a fairly normal offseason program now that he's ramping up his workload. |
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Sep 24 2022 | Steele (back) will throw a bullpen session Saturday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele has been sidelined for nearly a month due to a back issue but has been throwing bullpen sessions for two weeks. Although it's encouraging that he's continued to throw off a mound recently, it's not yet clear whether the southpaw will be able to return to game action over the final week and a half of the regular season. |
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Sep 13 2022 | Steele (back) threw a bullpen session Monday without issue, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele has been out of action since feeling soreness in his back in his Aug. 26 start, but he has recovered to the point where he can get back on the mound. It remains to be seen if he will toss another bullpen session or if he is ready to embark on a rehab assignment. |
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Sep 6 2022 | The Cubs placed Steele (back) on the 15-day injured list Monday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The transaction is retroactive to Friday, making Sept. 17 the earliest date Steele will be eligible to rejoin the Cubs. Steele hadn't pitched since Aug. 26, as he missed his subsequent turn through the rotation while he was on the restricted list due to him being ineligible to cross the Canadian border for the Cubs' series in Toronto. He had been expected to rejoin the rotation for the Cubs' first game of the week Tuesday against the Reds, but he was still experiencing back soreness stemming from the Aug. 26 start. The Cubs will now give the prized lefty some extra time to heal up, while prospect Hayden Wesneski was called up from Triple-A Iowa to presumably fill Steele's spot in Chicago's six-man rotation. |
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Sep 4 2022 | Steele (back) won't make a start during the Cubs' three-game home series with the Reds that begins Tuesday, Steve Greenberg of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele hasn't pitched since experiencing back soreness coming out of his Aug. 26 start in Milwaukee. He missed out on a start in Toronto last week while he was on the restricted list, and even though he was added back to the active roster Thursday, the Cubs aren't yet comfortable with having him slot back into the rotation. Wade Miley (shoulder) will be activated from the 60-day injured list Tuesday to start the series opener with Cincinnati, giving Steele a few more days to ramp up and move past the injury. If all goes well, Steele could be an option to make a start during the Cubs' series with the Giants over the upcoming weekend. |
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Sep 1 2022 | The Cubs reinstated Steele (back) from the restricted list Thursday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele was moved to the restricted list Monday in advance of the Cubs' series in Toronto, as he was ineligible to enter Canada due to his vaccination status. When the lefty's turn in the rotation came up during the Toronto series, the Cubs replaced Steele with Luke Farrell, who covered two innings as a starter in Wednesday's 7-5 win. Though he'll be added back to the 28-man active roster now that the series in Toronto has concluded, Steele won't make a start this weekend in St. Louis, as the Cubs likely want to give him additional time to recover from the lower-back tightness he experienced in his last outing Aug. 26 in Milwaukee. If Steele is able to throw a bullpen session over the weekend without any discomfort, he's expected to be plugged back into the rotation for next Tuesday's game against the Reds. |
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Aug 31 2022 | Steele (back/personal) is expected to start Tuesday against the Reds, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele exited his start against the Brewers on Friday due to low-back tightness and is on the restricted list for the Cubs' series in Toronto that concludes Wednesday. The southpaw will get some extra time to rest upon his return from the restricted list, but he'll likely return to the mound for Tuesday's series opener against the Reds at Wrigley Field. |
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Aug 29 2022 | Steele (back) was placed on the restricted list Monday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele experienced low-back tightness during Friday's start against the Brewers, and he'll be unavailable for the Cubs' three-game series in Toronto this week since he's unvaccinated. If his back injury doesn't prevent him from pitching, the southpaw will likely return to action sometime this weekend in St. Louis. |
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Aug 28 2022 | Cubs manager David Ross said Sunday that Steele, who experienced low-back tightness coming out of his most recent start Friday against the Brewers, won't be eligible to join the team in Toronto for its upcoming three-game series versus the Blue Jays due to his vaccination status, Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC Sports Chicago reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Along with Steele, fellow starting pitcher Adrian Sampson won't make the trip to Toronto due to the vaccination rules in place for Canada. Sampson is starting Sunday's series finale in Milwaukee and wasn't in line to pitch versus the Blue Jays anyway, but Steele would have been on tap to take the hill Wednesday, assuming his back issue didn't prove to be a concern. Instead, the Cubs will now have to place Sampson on the restricted list Monday and appoint a spot starter for Wednesday's contest. Steele should be on track to make his next start at some point during the Cubs' series in St. Louis next weekend. |
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Aug 27 2022 | Steele (back) gave up one earned run on four hits and four walks while striking out six over 5.1 innings in a 4-3 extra-inning win over the Brewers on Friday. He did not factor into the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele managed to avoid the big inning by repeatedly pitching himself out of trouble despite issuing four free passes. The only damage came on a solo home run off the bat of Tyrone Taylor in the fifth. Steele has now walked 50 batters in 119 innings this season but has been remarkably effective of late. He has an ERA of 0.96 over five starts in August. He came out of the game after 88 pitches with lower-back tightness, so it is presently unclear if he will be fit to make his next start. |
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Aug 26 2022 | Steele was removed from Friday's game against the Brewers due to low back tightness, Tony Andracki of Marquee Sports Network reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Although Steele appeared to be reaching for his left leg prior to leaving Friday's matchup with a trainer, he was ultimately diagnosed with a back injury following his departure. It's not yet clear whether the issue will force him to spend time on the injured list. If the southpaw is cleared to make his next turn through the rotation, he projects to start on the road Wednesday in Toronto. |
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Aug 21 2022 | Steele allowed no runs on two hits and one walk over six innings against the Brewers, striking out nine. He did not factor into the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Cubs' southpaw was sharp all afternoon, as he held the Brewers to three baserunners on the day. Steele lowered his ERA to 3.25 on the season and now has three straight quality starts. Additionally, he has recorded 39 strikeouts in 26.1 innings in his last five starts after recording less than a strikeout per inning up to that point. He tentatively lines up for a rematch against the Brewers next week. |
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Aug 16 2022 | Steele did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing one run on five hits and two walks over six innings against Washington. He struck out five. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: In his second time facing the Nationals in as many starts, Steele recorded a quality start but failed to record the win. This time he was even better, holding the Nationals to just one unearned run which came across to score in the sixth inning. The mini streak of quality starts is a welcome sign for Steele as he had failed to do so in his previous three starts. He will take a 3.43 ERA into his next start, which is tentatively scheduled for Sunday against Milwaukee. |
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Aug 10 2022 | Steele didn't factor into the decision in Wednesday's 4-2 win over the Nationals, giving up two runs on eight hits over six innings. He struck out nine without walking a batter. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw pitched well but was stuck with a 2-0 deficit as he left the game after 94 pitches (65 strikes). Fortunately for Steele and the Cubs, his offense erupted for all four of its runs in the seventh to take him off the hook for his eighth loss. He still delivered his sixth quality start of the season and first since the All-Star break, and Steele will take a 3.63 ERA and 106:43 K:BB through 101.2 innings into his next outing. |
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Aug 5 2022 | Steele struck out 10 batters in 4.2 scoreless innings Friday against the Marlins, walking one while allowing four hits. He did not factor into the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele isn't known for his strikeout stuff, as he carried a forgettable 22.5 percent career strikeout rate heading into Friday's start, but he wound up matching his career high with his second double-digit strikeout game of the season. The Marlins didn't offer much resistance outside of the fourth inning, when a catcher's interference and a pair of singles loaded the bases with one out, but Steele would escape that jam with a strikeout and a flyout. The only negative for the lefty was that all the long counts needed to finish off all those strikeouts meant he was unable to finish five frames, but it was still quite a encouraging performance. Steele will look to provide an encore Wednesday against Washington. |
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Aug 3 2022 | Steele will make his next start Friday against the Marlins, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele appeared set to pitch in Thursday's doubleheader after his start Wednesday was postponed due to inclement weather, but Chicago will instead push him back an additional day. Marcus Stroman will start Game 1 of the twin bill, and the Cubs have yet to announce who will take the mound for the nightcap. |
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Jul 28 2022 | Steele (4-7) allowed four unearned runs on five hits, a walk and a hit batsman while striking out six in 3.2 innings, taking the loss Thursday versus the Giants. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Errors early in the third and fourth innings ultimately allowed the Giants to tag Steele for a pair of runs in each of those frames. The Cubs' offense couldn't overcome the defensive shortcomings, sending the southpaw to defeat in his shortest outing since a two-inning effort May 26. Steele's ERA dropped to 3.86, but he has an unimpressive 1.43 WHIP and 87:42 K:BB through 91 innings in 19 starts this year. He's projected to make his next start in St. Louis next week. |
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Jul 23 2022 | Steele (4-6) yielded one run on four hits and four walks over five innings Friday, striking out two and earning a win over the Phillies. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele served up a solo homer to Kyle Schwarber on his first pitch of the night. He put seven more Phillies on base but held them off the board for the rest of his outing. Since the start of June, Steele is 3-1 with a 2.85 ERA through eight outings; he's allowed two or fewer runs in six of those. The 27-year-old southpaw will carry a 4.02 ERA into his expected start in San Francisco next week. |
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Jul 14 2022 | Steele (3-6) took the loss Wednesday, allowing three earned runs on six hits and one walk over six innings against the Orioles. He struck out three. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele was reinstated from the paternity list ahead of Wednesday's start and returned with a solid six-inning effort after struggling in the opening frame. The left-hander allowed four of the first five Orioles to reach base, with three of them coming around to score before Steele got out of the jam by retiring Adley Rutschman and Ramon Urias. Steele has pitched at least five innings in eight straight starts and sports a 3.23 ERA with 39 strikeouts during that stretch. His next start isn't scheduled until after the All-Star break. |
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Jul 12 2022 | The Cubs reinstated Steele from the paternity list Tuesday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports. The left-hander said he'll start Wednesday's series finale with the Orioles at Wrigley Field, according to Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC Sports Chicago. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Reliever Anderson Espinoza was optioned to Triple-A Iowa to clear a spot on the 26-man active roster for Steele, who was away from the Cubs for the maximum three days to observe the birth of his child. The timing of his paternity leave caused him to miss out on a two-start week, but he'll get one more outing under his belt before the All-Star break. |
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Jul 9 2022 | Steele (personal) was placed on the paternity list Saturday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele did not travel with the Cubs to Los Angeles for the team's weekend series against the Dodgers. He was officially placed on the paternity list to make room for Marcus Stroman (shoulder) -- Saturday's starter -- on the active roster. Steele will have to return by Tuesday's game against the Orioles, though it's unclear when he may make his next start. |
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Jul 7 2022 | Steele did not travel with the team to Los Angeles while he awaits the birth of his child, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele has not officially been placed on the paternity list yet, but he will not make his scheduled start Saturday against the Dodgers. The team has not announced a starter, though Drew Smyly (oblique) is among the top candidates. |
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Jul 4 2022 | Steele allowed just one run on two hits across 6.2 innings but did not factor into the decision in Monday's loss to the Brewers. He walked four and struck out nine. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele was cruising with a 1-0 lead into the seventh inning, but after recording two quick outs, he allowed a walk and double that tied the game. After another walk, the lefty got the hook. It was a promising start nonetheless for Steele, who was one away from matching his season high in strikeouts. The walks are still holding him back a bit, as this was the seventh time in 16 starts that he's walked three or more batters. Steele will look to keep pitching well in his next scheduled start Saturday against the Dodgers. |
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Jun 29 2022 | Steele (3-5) earned the win over Cincinnati on Wednesday, pitching five-plus innings and allowing one run on six hits and three walks while striking out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele had some control issues in the contest, as he issued three walks and threw only 48 of 84 pitches for strikes. However, the southpaw was able to navigate his way to the win by inducing two double plays and surrendering only one extra-base hit. Steele held the Reds scoreless through five innings but was pulled after allowing three straight hitters to reach base in the sixth; that resulted in only one run, though, as Scott Effross didn't allow either of his two inherited runners to score after relieving Steele. Walks have been a major concern for Steele on the campaign -- he's issued multiple free passes in 11 of his 15 starts -- but he's managed to hang onto a spot in the Cubs' rotation by yielding three or fewer earned runs in 12 of the 15 appearances. |
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Jun 23 2022 | Steele allowed six runs (five earned) on seven hits across 5.2 innings and did not factor into the decision in Thursday's loss to the Pirates. He didn't walk anyone and struck out eight. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele was impressive missing bats, but a solo home run by Bryan Reynolds and a two-run shot by Ke'Bryan Hayes spoiled the lefty's outing. He's had some ups and downs this year, and he's now sitting with a 4.59 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 61 strikeouts across 64.2 innings. Steele will look for better results in his next scheduled start Wednesday against the Reds. |
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Jun 18 2022 | Steele (2-5) gave up two earned runs on five hits and three walks while striking out three in five innings en route to the win Saturday against Atlanta. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He did the bare minimum from an innings standpoint and wasn't overly dominant, generating just six whiffs all game, but Steele registered his second win of the season. As things stand, he lines up to bring his four-seamer/slider combination to the mound next week in Pittsburgh. |
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Jun 13 2022 | Steele allowed one run on six hits over seven innings in Monday's loss to the Padres. He struck out three and did not factor in the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele gave another strong performance but he's still looking for his first win since April 9. The only run he allowed came in the third inning from Jake Cronenworth's RBI single. Over his last two outings, Steele has been charged with two earned runs over 14 frames, lowering his season ERA to 4.33 across 12 starts. The 26-year-old is projected to face Atlanta at home this weekend. |
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Jun 5 2022 | Steele didn't factor into the decision during Sunday's 5-3 loss to St. Louis, allowing two runs (one earned) on seven hits and three walks with one strikeout in seven innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele was efficient Sunday, navigating a season-high seven innings on 94 pitches, but he encountered trouble in the fifth when both runs scored on three hits and an error. The additional innings came at a cost though, as the 26-year-old whiffed only one batter after striking out 27 batters in 18 innings across his previous four starts. Steele now holds a 4.79 ERA and 1.55 WHIP while striking out 47 batters in 47 innings across 11 turns. He lines up to face the Yankees next weekend. |
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May 31 2022 | Steele allowed three runs on three hits and four walks over five innings in an 8-7 win Tuesday over Milwaukee. He struck out six and did not factor into the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele gave up three runs in the third inning on three hits and a walk. Through four innings, the lefty had thrown 89 pitches and walked a batter in each frame. Somewhat surprisingly, he came back out for the fifth inning and retired the side in order, finishing with a career-high 102 pitches tossed. The 26-year-old has completed five innings in only four of his 10 starts and has an alarming 23 walks in 40 innings. |
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May 26 2022 | Steele (1-5) took the loss Thursday, allowing seven runs on seven hits and two walks over two innings against the Reds. He struck out two. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele gave up a two-run homer to Kyle Farmer in the bottom of the second inning and allowed the first five hitters to reach in the third, which all ended up coming around to score, before being taken out of the game for Scott Effross. After back-to-back stellar outings against the Diamondback, Steele posted his worst outing of the season, causing his ERA to jump from 3.82 to 5.40. |
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May 21 2022 | Steele pitched scoreless five innings, surrendering one hit and two walks while striking out nine in the loss to the Diamondbacks on Saturday. He did not factor into the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele, tasked with facing the Diamondbacks for a second straight start Saturday, once again dominating the opponent. He limited them to just three baserunners while allowing a season-low one hit. After having 19 total punchouts over his first six starts, the left-hander registered 19 combined in his two starts versus Arizona. Additionally, he only surrendered one run over those two outings, and now sits with a 3.82 ERA and 1.42 WHIP with 38 strikeouts over 33 innings. |
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May 15 2022 | Steele didn't factor into the decision during Sunday's 3-2 win over Arizona, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits and two walks with 10 strikeouts in six innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele submitted his best game by far, encountering trouble only when a two-out hit and error plated two runs in the fourth inning. The outing was the 26-year-old's first going more than five innings, and the 10 whiffs equaled his total from the last four games combined. Steele is slated for a rematch with Arizona next weekend. |
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May 14 2022 | Steele (thumb) will start Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele was removed from his last start due to a left thumb issue, but he tested things out off the mound Friday and will be cleared to make his next turn through the rotation. Over his last five starts, the southpaw has posted a 6.88 ERA and 2.00 WHIP in 17 innings. |
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May 13 2022 | Steele (thumb) felt good after throwing a bullpen session Friday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele exited his start last Sunday against the Dodgers with a sore left thumb. He felt the discomfort specifically while throwing his slider, but he was able to throw that pitch without issues Friday. The Cubs have yet to announce their starter for Sunday's series finale in Arizona, a job which could go to Steele if he's cleared to pitch. |
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May 8 2022 | Steele exited Sunday's game against the Dodgers due to left thumb soreness, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele threw 69 pitches during Sunday's start and allowed two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out three in four innings. However, he was examined by trainers while warming up prior to the fifth inning and was removed from the game. Steele hopes to make his next start, but the team will wait to see how he feels in the coming days before making a decision, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports. |
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May 7 2022 | Steele will start Monday's series opener in San Diego, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele was initially projected to start Saturday against the Dodgers, but the Cubs altered their pitching plans after Friday's matchup was postponed. The southpaw will get a few extra days of rest before taking the mound on the road against the Padres. Over his first five starts in 2022, Steele has posted a 5.50 ERA and 1.89 WHIP in 18 innings. |
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May 6 2022 | Steele won't start during Saturday's doubleheader against the Dodgers and isn't listed as the probable pitcher for Sunday's series finale, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 26-year-old was originally penciled in to start Saturday, but the Cubs have altered their pitching plans after the postponement of Friday's game, which is being made up via a twin bill Saturday. Drew Smyly and Daniel Norris will start in the doubleheader, while Marcus Stroman is scheduled to take the mound Sunday. Assuming Steele doesn't work out of the bullpen this weekend, he should pitch during the upcoming three-game series in San Diego, which begins Monday. |
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May 1 2022 | Steele (1-3) took the loss at the hands of the Brewers on Saturday, allowing four runs (two earned) on seven hits and one walk with four strikeouts in three innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Milwaukee jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first inning, as Steele surrender four singles and Chicago committed two errors, and he never settled in. Steele was pulled before he could face the order a third time while throwing 48 of 74 pitches for strikes, and he has now made it to five innings just once in five starts. The 26-year-old lefty is tentatively projected to start next weekend against the Dodgers. |
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Apr 24 2022 | Steele (1-2) allowed three runs on four hits across three innings to take the loss Sunday against the Pirates. He walked four and struck out two. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele struggled with his command, as he walked a season-high four batters and needed 79 pitches to complete his three innings of work. The lefty now has a 6.0 BB/9 across three starts this season, and he won't find much success unless he's able to cut that number down and limit the free passes. Steele will carry a 5.40 ERA into his next scheduled start against the Brewers on Saturday. |
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Apr 19 2022 | Steele (1-1) got the loss after he pitched 2.2 innings, giving up four runs on three hits while walking three and striking out one in Tuesday's loss to the Rays. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele gave up an RBI groundout to Manuel Margot in the second frame before running into trouble in the third inning, surrendering a two-run homer to Wander Franco and an RBI double to Brandon Lowe before getting yanked with two outs. The 26-year-old has struggled to pitch deep into games this season, tossing a total of 11 innings and giving up six runs over three starts on his way to a 1-1 record and 4.50 ERA. Steele will look to last longer in his next projected start Sunday at home against the Pirates. |
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Apr 14 2022 | Steele allowed two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out four across 4.1 innings against Colorado on Thursday. He did not factor in the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele allowed plenty of traffic on the bases in the outing, but all five hits against him were singles, and he wiggled out of a few jams to surrender just two runs. He wasn't able to go deep enough to pick up the win, however, as he needed 80 pitches to get through 4.1 frames and allowed two of the final three batters he faced to reach base. The southpaw has been a pleasant surprise early in the season, allowing just two runs and posting a 9:3 K:BB across 9.1 innings across two starts. His next trip to the mound is expected to come at home against Tampa Bay next week. |
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Apr 9 2022 | Steele (1-0) pitched five scoreless innings, giving up four hits and one walk while striking out five in a 9-0 win Saturday over Milwaukee. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele scattered four singles and induced two double-play ground balls as he shut down the Brewers' offense. He needed 77 pitches to complete five innings and left with the Cubs leading 7-0. Last season, the lefty started his last nine appearances with mixed results. He struggled to prevent walks and home runs but limited hits and struck out more than a batter an inning as a rookie. His next start should be next weekend in Colorado. |
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Apr 8 2022 | Steele's scheduled start Friday against the Brewers has been postponed due to poor weather, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader in May. The Cubs will simply push their rotation back a day, so Steele will face the Brewers on Saturday instead. That lines him up for a trip to Coors Field next Thursday or Friday. |
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Apr 2 2022 | The Cubs have been building Steele up as a starter this spring and will likely use him in their rotation to begin the season, Jordan Bastian of MLB,com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With Adbert Alzolay (lat) currently on the 60-day injured list and Wade Miley (elbow) getting shut down for 10 days, the Cubs have a few holes in their rotation behind Kyle Hendricks and Marcus Stroman. Alec Mills should fill one of those spots, and Drew Smyly looks like he'll be starting too. Steele should then slot in at the back of the rotation, but the eventual return of Alzolay and Miley will likely push him into a relief role. |
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Mar 29 2022 | Steele allowed two runs on three hits across 2.2 innings in Tuesday's Cactus League game against the Diamondbacks. He walked four and struck out one. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was an uneven performance for Steele, who is vying for a spot in the back part of the Cubs' rotation to begin the season, particularly if Wade Miley (neck) isn't quite ready to go. Steele has a solid 2.70 ERA this spring, but his seven walks in 6.2 innings of work are obviously a bit concerning. The lefty will need to exhibit better control if he wants to have any sustained success this year. |
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Mar 24 2022 | Steele pitched two scoreless innings in Thursday's Cactus League game against the Angels. He walked two and struck out two. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele is competing for a spot at the back of the Cubs' rotation, so performances like this are very useful. Keegan Thompson is also in the mix for the No. 5 role, as is the newly signed Drew Smyly. Steele appeared in 20 games for Chicago last season, starting nine of them, and registered a 4.26 ERA across 57 innings of work. |
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Mar 16 2022 | Steele will likely have added competition for the last spot in the Cubs' rotation after the team signed Steven Brault (lat) on Wednesday, per Jordan Bastian of MLB.com. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The team is looking to fill a rotation spot with Adbert Alzolay out at least two months due to a lat strain. Brault is still recovering from a lat strain of his own suffered last season, but the lefty gives Chicago a veteran option, as he's made 52 career starts across six seasons at the MLB level. Steele, meanwhile, has nine career starts, which all came last year. The latter pitched decently, recording a 4.26 ERA and 59 strikeouts across 57 innings of work in 2021, so he could definitely grab hold of the No. 5 role with an impressive spring training. |
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Mar 15 2022 | Manager David Ross said Tuesday that Steele and Keegan Thompson will be the primary competitors for the fifth and final spot in the Cubs' Opening Day rotation, Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC Sports Chicago reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ross left the door open for the Cubs to add another starting pitcher or two via trade or free agency before the start of the season, but for now, the club is looking internally to fill the void in the rotation created by the injury to Adbert Alzolay (lat), who is expected to miss at least two months. Both Steele and Thompson saw most of their initial appearances with the big club last season as relievers, but the two got the chance to pick up regular starts in the second half while the non-contending Cubs shifted into evaluation mode. Over his nine starts in 2021, Steele posted a 4.95 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and a 38:20 while coughing up 10 home runs over 43.2 innings. |
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Sep 30 2021 | Steele (4-4) allowed four hits and one walk while striking out seven across seven innings to earn the win Thursday against the Pirates. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele entered the game with a 5.89 ERA across eight starts with the big-league club. However, he turned in his longest outing and first quality start of the campaign while holding the Pirates without any extra-base hits. While his first stint in the major-league rotation wasn't all that successful, Steele could factor the Cubs' future plans as either a starter or reliever. Steele will end the campaign with a 4.26 ERA and 59:27 K:BB across 57 innings. |
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Sep 24 2021 | Steele (3-4) allowed six runs on seven hits and two walks with five strikeouts in five innings, taking the loss in the first game of Friday's doubleheader versus the Cardinals. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-hander put too many runners on base, as all three home runs he allowed plated a pair of runs. Steele has now given up 12 long balls in 50 innings this season. The poor start inflated his ERA to 4.86 with a 1.44 WHIP and 52:26 K:BB in 19 appearances (eight starts). He's projected to make one more start this season, a rematch with the Cardinals in St. Louis during next weekend's three-game series. |
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Sep 19 2021 | Steele allowed two runs on on two hits across four innings and did not factor into the decision Saturday against the Brewers. He walked four and struck out four. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele was good at limiting hits and missing bats, but the four walks are concerning, and he also allowed two home runs. The lefty continued his trend of short outings, as he hasn't gone past five innings in any of his seven starts, and this was the second time he logged exactly four frames. Steele has shown some promise, though the inability to go deeper into games caps his fantasy value. He's projected to start again Friday against the Cardinals. |
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Sep 12 2021 | Steele (3-3) allowed five runs on 11 hits across five innings to take the loss Sunday against the Giants. He walked two and struck out four. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele simply allowed too many baserunners to be effective, and a two-run home run by Wilmer Flores in the fifth inning punctuated the rough outing. The lefty was reasonably solid in his previous two starts, allowing just three runs across 10 innings, so expect the rebuilding Cubs to keep him in the rotation through the end of the season and possibly into next year if he finishes strongly. Steele lines up to face the Brewers on Saturday in his next scheduled appearance. |
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Sep 6 2021 | Steele surrendered three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out four over five innings in Monday's victory over the Reds. He did not factor into the game's decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty went the first five innings of his outing without giving up a run but ran into trouble in the top of the sixth. He allowed four straight batters to reach before being pulled in the inning and then was charge for two more runs after he left. The 26-year-old has posted a 4.77 ERA in five starts since becoming a part of the starting rotation and will draw the Giants in next projected start on Sunday. |
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Sep 2 2021 | Steele (3-2) completed five scoreless innings against Minnesota on Wednesday, allowing one hit and three walks while striking out three to earn the win. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-hander was somewhat wild in the outing, throwing only 48 of 86 pitches for strikes and walking three batters. However, he held the Twins to a harmless single and allowed only one runner to reach third base. The performance was easily Steele's finest since moving into the rotation Aug. 10; over his first three starts, he posted a 6.39 ERA, 1.66 WHIP and an 0-2 record. His next turn is likely to come at home against Cincinnati early next week. |
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Aug 25 2021 | Steele allowed four runs on five hits across 3.2 innings and did not factor into the decision in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Rockies. He walked two and struck out five. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele had his start postponed Tuesday night due to inclement weather, and the extra day didn't do the lefty any favors, as he had his worst outing since joining the Cubs' rotation earlier this month. With Adbert Alzolay (hamstring) still on the injured list and Jake Arrieta no longer with the team, Steele should continue to start, and his 4.15 ERA overall is respectable despite Wednesday's hiccup. He's currently lined up to take the mound again Tuesday against the Twins. |
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Aug 24 2021 | Steele won't start as scheduled Tuesday against the Rockies since the game was postponed due to inclement weather, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The contest will be made up via a doubleheader Wednesday, and Steele will take the mound in the nightcap. Zach Davies will start Game 1 for the Cubs. |
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Aug 16 2021 | Steele (2-2) allowed two runs on five hits across four innings to take the loss Monday against the Reds. He walked three and struck out five. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele did a decent job of limiting Cincinnati's offensive output, but the lefty was far from dominant as he allowed an average of two baserunners per inning. The Cubs decided to pull him after 82 pitches and his four innings of work, and then the bullpen allowed 12 more runs in the next four innings. Steele has now made two starts for Chicago, allowing five runs across nine innings while striking out six. Those numbers don't jump off the page, but with Jake Arrieta gone and Adbert Alzolay (hamstring) on the injured list, Steele doesn't have a ton of competition for a rotation spot at the moment. He's projected to start again Sunday against the Royals and will attempt to work a little bit deeper into the contest. |
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Aug 10 2021 | Steele (2-1) took the loss in the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Brewers, giving up three runs on five hits and a walk over five innings as the Cubs fell 4-2. He struck out one. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 26-year-old southpaw held Milwaukee in check for three innings in his first start in the majors, but a pair of homers in the fourth by Willy Adames and Avisail Garcia wound up begin the difference in the afternoon affair. Steele has only been tagged for six runs in his first 18.1 big-league innings across 12 appearances, leading to a 2.95 ERA, but they've all come on long balls. If he stays with the Cubs he'll likely return to the bullpen after this outing, but having thrown 70 pitches (43 strikes), he should be unavailable for a few days and could be demoted back to Triple-A Iowa to make way for a fresh arm. |
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Aug 9 2021 | Steele is set to be recalled from Triple-A Iowa and start the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Brewers with Alec Mills getting the nightcap after Monday's contest was rained out, Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC Sports Chicago reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was previously reported that Steele would get the call from Triple-A Iowa to make his first MLB start Tuesday, but he'll now be doing so in a seven-inning game versus a nine-inning contest. The 26-year-old worked exclusively in relief while with the Cubs earlier in the season though he's been starting recently in Iowa, so he should be at least somewhat stretched out. Steele last started on Wednesday, when he allowed one earned run across five innings with eight strikeouts. It's unclear if he'll receive any more MLB starts beyond Tuesday, but he has a chance to stay in the rotation if he impresses. At the very least, Steele should be able to stick in the Cubs' bullpen as a long reliever given his 2.03 ERA, 1,05 WHIP and 21 strikeouts across 13.1 innings for Chicago this season. |
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Aug 8 2021 | Cubs manager David Ross said Steele would be called up from Triple-A Iowa to start Tuesday's game against the Brewers at Wrigley Field, Russell Dorsey of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele excelled across 11 relief appearances with the Cubs earlier this season (2.03 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 21:7 K:BB in 13.1 innings), but the organization still wants to develop the 26-year-old lefty as a starter in the long term. Since being reinstated from the injured list and optioned to Triple-A in early July, Steele has impressed in his five starts for Iowa, compiling an 0.87 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 11.8 K/9 across 20.2 innings. The Cubs haven't indicated whether Steele will receive any additional starts beyond Tuesday, so he may need to turn in a quality outing against the Brewers to ensure he sticks in the rotation. |
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Jul 8 2021 | Steele (hamstring) was activated from the 10-day injured list Thursday and optioned to Triple-A Iowa, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-hander has been on a rehab assignment with Iowa over the past couple weeks, and he'll remain with the minor-league club now that he's healthy. It's likely a temporary stay in the minors for Steele, who has a 2.03 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 21:7 K:BB across 13.1 innings for the Cubs this year. |
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Jun 24 2021 | Steele (hamstring) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa, Russell Dorsey of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele has been sidelined since May 21 with the injury and is set for his first game action since. It's unclear how long he'll need to ramp back up, but he should be activated by late June or early July assuming he has no setbacks. |
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Jun 6 2021 | Steele (hamstring) threw a 35-pitch bullpen Sunday and will be re-evaluated Monday, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele landed on the 10-day injured list May 21. The reliever appears to be nearing a return to the Cubs' bullpen, though it's not clear if the club intends on sending him on a rehab assignment before activating him. |
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May 21 2021 | Steele was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele was lifted from his outing Thursday against the Nationals with what was originally called hamstring tightness, but it appears that the issue is worse than originally reported. He'll sit for at least 10 days, and potentially more than that, as his strain is a moderate one, per Russell Dorsey of the Chicago Sun-Times. Brad Wieck was recalled in a corresponding move. |
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May 20 2021 | The Cubs announced that Steele was removed from Thursday's game against the Nationals due to right hamstring tightness, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After recording the final out of the fifth inning and then working a clean top of the sixth, Steele looked poised to come out for another inning, as he took an at-bat when his turn came up in the bottom of the sixth. He reached base on a fielder's choice, then appeared to tweak his lower leg at some point while running later in the inning. When Steele's hamstring caused him problems while warming up in the top of the seventh, the Cubs elected to pull him from the contest. Steele has emerged as a key multi-inning weapon out of the bullpen this season, so he would be a costly loss if the injury forces him to miss time. |
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May 4 2021 | Steele (1-0) earned the win during Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Dodgers after pitching a scoreless ninth inning, walking one and fanning two. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele was coming off a woeful outing where he allowed three runs (and two homers) in just one inning at Cincinnati on May 2, but he bounced back quickly and recorded his first win of the season while shutting down the Dodgers in style. He tosses 11 of his 18 pitches for strikes and while this was an encouraging performance, Steele is expected to remain in a low-leverage role with the Cubs at least on a short-term basis. |
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Apr 29 2021 | The Cubs recalled Steele from their alternate training site Thursday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He'll join the bullpen as a replacement for Brandon Workman, who was designated for assignment in a corresponding move. The 25-year-old lefty will likely work primarily in lower-leverage spots while he's up with the Cubs. |
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Apr 17 2021 | Steele was optioned to the Cubs' alternate training site Saturday, Tony Andracki of Marquee Sports Network reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele joined the major-league bullpen Monday after three pitchers were placed on the COVID-19 injured list. The southpaw allowed two hits and one walk while striking out four in 3.1 innings across three relief appearances in the big leagues. He'll return to the team's alternate site after Brandon Workman and Dan Winkler were reinstated from the COVID-19 IL on Saturday, but Steele could be a candidate to serve as bullpen depth later in the season. |
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Apr 12 2021 | Steele was recalled by the Cubs on Monday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele is one of three relievers who joined the bullpen Monday, with three other pitchers heading to the COVID-19 injured list. The 25-year-old lefty has yet to throw an inning above Double-A, so he'll likely be limited to lower-leverage innings during his time with the team. |
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Mar 19 2021 | Steele was optioned to Triple-A by the Cubs on Friday, Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC Sports Chicago reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 25-year-old was in the mix for a rotation spot but was never a likely bet to make the Opening Day roster since he's never pitched above Double-A. Steele spent last season at the alternate training site and had a 5.59 ERA, 1.70 WHIP and 42:20 K:BB over 38.2 innings at Double-A in 2019. |
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Feb 15 2021 | Steele is among a handful of players vying for an open rotation spot with the Cubs this spring, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Cubs have plenty of innings to fill after parting ways with Yu Darvish, Jon Lester, Jose Quintana and Tyler Chatwood this offseason, and Steele is ostensibly an option to start. However, the 25-year-old has never appeared above the Double-A level, and he only got to participate at the Cubs' alternate training site last season. Steele will likely begin the 2021 season in the minors, though he could get a shot in the majors at some point if he performs well. |
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Aug 6 2020 | The Cubs optioned Steele to their alternate training site in South Bend on Thursday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Steele was one of two Cubs relievers sent down to the alternate site while the team reduced its active roster from 30 to 28 men, with Rex Brothers set to join him in South Bend. The Cubs didn't use Steele out of the bullpen after he was called up Sunday. |
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Aug 2 2020 | Steele will be recalled from the alternate training site before Sunday's game against the Pirates, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 25-year-old struggled in 11 starts (38.2 innings) at Double-A Tennessee with a 5.59 ERA and 1.70 WHIP last season, but he'll now join the Cubs to potentially make his major-league debut. Steele is likely to be utilized in a low-leverage role. |
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