WATCH: Craig Counsell on Justin Steele's injury update

Tony Crumpton - Senior Editor - 6 hours ago

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell met with the media ahead of Friday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers to give the latest Justin Steele injury update, share what's impressed him about pitcher Matthew Boyd and much more.

“We’re going to get some more opinions on it,” Counsell said on Steele's injury. “We’re kind of dealing with the same thing we dealt with last year and, for that reason, I think Justin wants to make sure, and we want to make sure, that we get the right information moving forward. So, he’s going to get another opinion and then we’ll go from there.”

A reporter asked if it is possible that Steele could have surgery on his elbow.

“Again, I’ll kind of repeat myself again, but that’s where we’re at,” Counsell said. “There’s no decisions right now. Justin, he wants to get all the information, he wants to get another opinion. So until we do that, I think we’ve got to wait for that and let him use all the information to decide what’s next.”

Watch the pregame video below:

Video summary/cliff-notes:

(00:00 - 00:33): Cubs manager Craig Counsell shares that Justin Steele had an MRI and is seeking a second opinion. The team is proceeding cautiously to ensure they have accurate information before making decisions.

(00:33 - 01:16): Counsell confirms Steele is dealing with the same injury as last year. They want to understand why it has recurred before deciding the next steps. No final decisions yet.

(01:16 - 02:03): It's unclear if Steele will have a minimal stay on the injured list. The team is keeping options open and awaiting further information.

(02:03): Regarding pitching strategy, the Cubs are keeping as many pitchers available as possible for the upcoming weekend.

(02:03 - 02:42): Counsell praises pitcher Matthew Boyd for keeping hitters off balance with effective velocity changes and good pitch location.

(03:15 - 04:05): After the Tokyo games, Counsell says the team has shown strong offensive baseball. He acknowledges the poor hitting performance in Japan but sees improvement.

(04:05 - 04:49): Assad and Tyson Miller are both heading to Iowa; Miller is pitching tonight. Javier Assad is expected to start Tuesday.

(04:49): Brazier played catch and received his World Series ring, marking a positive day for him.