Cubs News: Counsell updates Justin Steele's injury |
The 'Man of Steele' was hurt in Thursday night's 4-3 Opening Day extra-inning loss to the Texas Rangers.
Steele left the game gingerly with the trainer after making a play on a bunt attempt in the fifth inning. After the loss, Cubs manager Counsell confirmed that Steele had suffered a hamstring injury that will likely land him on the injured list. “It's a left hamstring strain. We’ll get an MRI in the morning, likely IL. It's just a shame,” Counsell said. “I mean, he's pitching really, really well. Obviously, he's an important member of the team, and it looks like we're going to miss him for a little bit here.” Counsell understands that the team needs to pick up the slack until Steele is back healthy. “This is part of a baseball season. Injuries are going to happen, and rebound and recover from them. The next guy has to fill in, and everyone else has to pick up around them. You're going to have things like this happen during the season,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “First day of the season, it probably stings a little worse. But this is going to be part of our season, and it's testing us immediately.” Steele felt something when he was making the stellar defensive play on the bunt. “When I was leaning over backhanding the ball, I just kind of felt something grab,” Steele told the media. “So I just went down with it and didn't want to do anything to risk further injury.” Steele believes he can get back fast on his recovery. “Spirits are high,” he said. “Opening Day, all the jitters and everything; I was definitely nervous today leading up to the outing. It was good to feel all those emotions, get back out there, and get on the horse again. I'll have a speedy recovery from this and get right back out there.” Craig Counsell on a potential IL stint for Justin Steele. pic.twitter.com/6ToauiBtRo
