Cubs' Justin Steele: Struggles with control Saturday
Rotowire
Steele allowed five runs (one earned) on seven hits and four walks while striking out five batters over five innings in a no-decision against Cincinnati on Saturday.
Steele's fantasy stat line wasn't disastrous since only one of the five runs charged to him was earned, but he was far from sharp, especially in terms of control. The southpaw hit a batter in addition to issuing a season-high four walks, and he threw just 58 of 98 pitches for strikes. Steele is usually much better at limiting free passes -- before Saturday, he had issued only seven walks over six starts -- so this was likely just a bump in the road for him. He's been decent with a 4.10 ERA and 1.21 WHIP across 37.1 innings this season but has yet to pick up a win.
Cubs' Justin Steele: Tosses seven shutout in no-decision
Rotowire
Steele did not factor into the decision Monday against Milwaukee, allowing three hits and one walk over seven shutout innings. He struck out eight.
Steele posted his best start since returning from a hamstring injury May 6, generating 13 whiffs in 93 total pitches. The Cubs lefty limited a ferocious Brewers offense that entered with the fourth-best team wRC+ at 115, allowing Milwaukee to scatter only four singles. Steele's ERA is now 4.45 over total 32.1 innings with 31:7 K:BB. The 28-year-old is currently slated to face the Reds at home in his next start.
Steele (0-2) took the loss against Atlanta on Wednesday, allowing five runs on six hits and one walk while striking out five over 6.1 innings.
Steele made short work of the first six batters he faced in the contest before giving up a leadoff single to Michael Harris to open the third, followed by a two-run shot off the bat of Adam Duvall. The lefty then appeared to settle in over the next three frames, but again found himself in trouble after allowing three of the first four batters to reach in the seventh. He would end up being charged with another three runs in the inning, with two coming home after he was relieved by Jose Cuas. Steele has now given up four or more runs in three consecutive starts and is still looking for his first win of the season. On a positive note, Wednesday also marked the first time this season in which he's gotten through six innings.
Steele (0-1) took the loss against the Pirates on Thursday, surrendering five runs on six hits and one walk over 5.2 innings. He struck out seven.
The Pirates tagged Steele for two runs in the top of the first on a two-run shot from Edward Olivares and proceeded to tack on runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings. The lefty produced only one 1-2-3 inning on the night and allowed at least five runs for the second consecutive start. Steele has yet to make it through six innings in a start this year, though he did record a season-high seven strikeouts in Thursday's loss.
