Sources: Cubs Rotation Leader On Track to Return Monday

Justin Steele Gets the Start on Monday

Steele sustained the injured in the fifth inning of the Cubs Opening Day loss to the Texas Rangers. He ran off the mound to grab a bunted ball from Leody Tavares. Steele completed the play in a fashionable effort, but grabbed his leg and fell to the ground.

“I just kind of went down with it,” Steele said, “and didn’t want to do anything to risk further injury.”

Steele had a breakout campaign for the Cubs, accumulating 176 strikeouts against 36 walks with a 3.06 ERA IN 173 1/3 innings. He was a first-time All-Star and in the hunt for the National League Cy Young Award.

Another Left-Hander Stepping Up for the Rotation

Even without Steele, the Cubs rotation is doing just fine. Shota Imanaga‘s excellent first few outings have been greatly appreciated by Cubs fans, teammates and manager Craig Counsell. Imanaga now has a steller 0.78 ERA across 34 2/3 innings to go along with 35 strikeouts. The lefty has allowed zero earned runs in four of his six appearances so far, and the most he’s allowed in an outing was the two earned runs he gave up back on April 20.

His four-seamer and splitter have worked well against hitters and he’s don’t amazing limiting free passes at a 2.4 percent walk rate. His curveball and sweeper have been used about 12-13 percent of his pitches through five starts, a decline from the more than 20 percent usage of breakers he showed in Japan. Regardless, the Cubs prized offseason acquisition has been a joy to watch.

Javier Assad Owns Top-Six ERA in NL

Javier Assad, 26, has stepped up to fill the gap. After six starts this season, Assas is 2-0 with a 1.67 ERA and 27 strikeouts. His ERA ranks him third in the NL among starters with 30 innings pitched. He’s second on the Cubs only behind Imanaga. Going into the season, Assad had to fight his way into the Cubs rotation in spring training, beating out Hayden Wesneski and Drew Smyly.

Jameson Taillon‘s injury gave Assad the chance to prove himself. But now that Taillon is back, he’ll likely stay in the rotation. Kyle Hendricks figures to move to the bullpen when he returns from the IL or Jordan Wicks will get sent down to Triple-A Iowa.