The Chicago Cubs are set to reinstate one of their top pitchers for Wednesday’s series finale against the Oakland Athletics. Manager Craig Counsell confirmed on Tuesday that Justin Steele will be activated from the injured list and will start the game. While the move is not yet official, the Cubs plan to adjust their rotation, pushing back the other starters by one day.
Steele has been sidelined since late August due to left elbow tendinitis. Recently, he threw a 40-pitch bullpen session in Colorado, which went well and influenced the decision to activate him in time for Wednesday’s matchup at Wrigley Field.
This will be Steele’s first start since August 27, when he earned a win against the Pittsburgh Pirates. In that game, he allowed two runs on six hits over five innings, striking out six batters. Before his injury, Steele had a stellar August, going 3-0 with a 2.03 ERA.
This marks the second time this season that Steele has been activated from the injured list. He previously missed April due to a left hamstring strain sustained during the opening weekend against the Texas Rangers.
In a recent interview with 670 The Score in Chicago, Steele expressed his readiness: “Feeling good, bullpens have been going well.” If Steele remains in the rotation for the remainder of the season, he is expected to make three more starts, including the final game of the year at Wrigley Field against the Cincinnati Reds.
The Cubs are still in contention for a postseason spot, though their chances are slim. Heading into Tuesday’s game, they are five games behind the final National League Wildcard spot with only 12 games remaining. According to Fangraphs, their odds of making the playoffs stand at just 0.2%.
Wednesday’s game is scheduled to begin at 2:20 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on Marquee Sports Network and NBC Sports California.
