CHICAGO (AP) — When Justin Steele got hurt on opening day, the big question for the Chicago Cubs centered on the state of their rotation without their ace left-hander.
That concern faded away over time.
Steele returned to one of baseball’s best rotations on Monday night, starting the opener of a three-game series against the San Diego Padres. He allowed three hits, struck out two and walked one in 4 2/3 scoreless innings.
It was Steele’s first major league appearance since he strained his left hamstring while making a play on a sacrifice bunt at Texas on March 28.
The 28-year-old Steele was a breakout performer last year, going 16-5 with a 3.06 ERA in 30 starts. He made the NL All-Star team for the first time and finished fifth in balloting for the NL Cy Young Award.
Steele made a rehab start with Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday, allowing three runs and six hits in 3 1/3 innings. He threw 68 pitches against San Diego, 43 for strikes.
NFL draft has potential to set a record for most players on offense selected in the first round
What does Europe want from China?
Portuguese bodybuilder 'Monster', who claimed to be the 'most shredded ever', dies aged 46
Paedophile hunter reveals he caught his wife's cousin trying to meet up with children online
Choctaw artist Jeffrey Gibson is first Native American to represent the US solo at Venice Biennale
Polish prosecutors open investigation after judge flees to autocratic Belarus
Millions of people across Oklahoma, southern Kansas at risk of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms
Muslim teaching assistant claims being awarded the Christmas Grinch prize at 'light