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The Cubs' Opening Day turned sour as star pitcher Justin Steele departed in the fifth inning due to a hamstring injury. Steele's misfortune struck while fielding a bunt from Rangers' Leody Taveras, tumbling over as he grabbed his left thigh.
Despite a promising start to the game, tallying one earned run, three hits, six strikeouts, and one walk in 4 and 2/3 innings, Steele's early exit cast a shadow over the Cubs' performance.
Manager Craig Counsell confirmed Steele's hamstring strain, likely leading to an injured list placement.
"It's a left hamstring strain. We'll get an MRI in the morning, likely IL," Counsell said.
"It's just a shame. He's pitching really, really well. Obviously, an important member of the team, and looks like we're gonna miss him for a little bit here.
"Well, this is a part of a baseball season. Injuries are gonna happen, and you gotta rebound from them, you gotta recover from them. The next guy's gotta fill in, and then everybody else has kinda gotta pick up around him.
"First day of the season, it probably stings a little worse, but this is gonna be part of our season and it's testing us immediately."
A blow for the Cubs
This setback came after Steele's stellar 2023 season, marked by an All-Star Game appearance and a fifth-place finish in the NL Cy Young voting.
The Cubs now face uncertainty in his absence. Meanwhile, replacement pitcher Julian Merryweather managed to contain the Rangers' offense, limiting them to one run for the remainder of the game.