Obviously as Cubs fans we are hyper focused on Cubs things and I’m sure there are countless examples across the league of fans thinking the same thing about their team, but as David Ross and Justin Steele did their best to make it sound like the left-handed pitcher’s forearm strain isn’t a big deal, I just can’t help it. I’m terrified.
It sucks because I want to be positive about this, but in May we saw two examples of the Cubs, specifically Ross, saying a player was going to be fine and maybe even get into a game off the bench one night, to suddenly going on the injured list a few days later. It first happened with Nico Hoerner and then Cody Bellinger, who still has not played since May 15.
In his last start against the Tampa Bay Rays, Steele pitched three perfect innings before he was pulled from the game. In the third inning, Steele was seen trying to stretch out his left arm, which raised eyebrows in the Cubs dugout and a quick talk between Steele, Ross and a trainer followed. That came with one out and although there was something off, Steele was allowed to continue, getting the next two outs.
But again, there was something going on and on Thursday Steele got an MRI. The result? A mild forearm strain, which the Cubs and Steele are characterizing as a minor issue.
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The plan for now is for Steele to throw on Saturday to test out his arm and then the team will re-evaluate from there.
And hey, it’s not like I want Steele going out there and saying the most pessimistic things about his status, but all this seems a little too nonchalant for me. There is still a mild strain in his forearm. There is something wrong.
At this point, it doesn’t appear as though Steele will make his next scheduled start. The best case scenario might be that it gets pushed back a few days. However, the most likely scenario is that Steele will be skipped this time around in the rotation to give him extra time and well a trip to the injured list isn’t out of the question either.
I don’t know, I’m going to be on pins and needles the next time Steele goes out to start because how can you not think about the worst. A minor issue can become a major issue in one pitch. I think I’d rather just have Steele go on the 15-day injured list and not push it rather than throwing him back on the mound in a week.
But a lot of my angst does go back to just being a Cubs fan and seeing the team mishandling guys who are injured for way too many years now. Fingers crossed that Steele will ultimately be all right. I’m guessing we will get another update later today after Steele tests out his arm in San Diego. If he does have to miss time, I think it’s a safe bet that Hayden Wesneski will slide into Steele’s spot.
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