Justin Steele to return to the Cubs rotation for Wednesday's game against the A's
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 04: Justin Steele #35 of the Chicago Cubs throws a pitch during the first inning of a game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field on August 04, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)
CHICAGO - Justin Steele is going to rejoin the rotation for the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday against Oakland.
Steele, Chicago’s opening-day starter, has been on the 15-day injured list since Sept. 1 with left elbow tendinitis. He is 5-5 with a 3.09 ERA in 22 starts this season.
The 29-year-old Steele had a bullpen session on Saturday.
The Cubs had a 77-73 record going into Tuesday night's game against Oakland. They were five games behind the New York Mets for the final NL wild card with 12 games remaining.
Right-hander Daniel Palencia was recalled from Triple-A Iowa before the matchup with the A's, and righty Trey Wingenter was sent down.
Steele last pitched on Aug. 27 at Pittsburgh, allowing two runs in five innings in a 9-5 victory over the Pirates.
He had a breakout 2023 season, making the NL All-Star team while going 16-5 with a 3.06 ERA in 30 starts. He also struck out 176 in 173 1/3 innings.
Steele strained his left hamstring during his season-opening start at Texas on March 28. He didn't return until May 6 and scuffled for several weeks before getting on track.