Inside The Cubs

Justin Steele Gives Insight Into Rough Outing on Sunday Against Padres

Chicago Cubs starter Justin Steele candidly opens up about his tough outing on Sunday against the San Diego Padres.
Kade Kistner|
Justin Steele Gives Insight Into Rough Outing on Sunday Against Padres
Justin Steele Gives Insight Into Rough Outing on Sunday Against Padres

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Chicago CubsSan Diego Padres

Chicago Cubs starter Justin Steele was an absolute revelation last season. He made his MLB debut in 2021 but got to work impressing the Cubs' brass and fanbase during the 2022 MLB season.

In 24 starts last season, Steele pitched 119.0 innings to the tune of a 3.18 ERA and a 1.353 WHIP. That performance alone has helped solidify a rotation spot for the upcoming season. 

However, Steele's spring has been an inspiring one. After dealing general arm fatigue, Steele has made just three starts this spring for a total of 7.2 innings. In that span, the lefty has given up four runs, two home runs, and issued a concerning six walks. 

His start on Sunday didn't help. 

Steele went just 3.0 innings on Sunday against the San Diego Padres, and while he only gave up one earned run, he issued five walks. His command was nowhere to be seen. 

He discussed the outing with Marquee Sports following the start.

“I just kinda felt like I was moving under water for most of the day,” Steele said. “I was fighting myself. Having to constantly make adjustments to the pitch I just threw before. I was just having to battle out there.

“I’m sure anybody — if you run on the treadmill one day and you run on it the next day, you’re probably not gonna feel the exact same as you did,” Steele said. “It was one of them things, kinda felt lethargic just like my body was moving under water and stuff. It was an adjustment trying to get my body going and stuff. Moving forward, it’s something I’ll adjust to.”

Not exactly the indictment you wanted to hear, especially considering his velocity was also down on the day. 

While it isn't exactly "early" in spring training anymore, Opening Day is under two weeks away, Steele has time to figure out what is wrong and right the ship.

Perhaps he just needs some extended rest ahead of the season by taking an extra day or two off. Either way, he should still be good to go for his first turn through the rotation. 

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Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Cubs. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.

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