Finding a more deserving Major League pitcher for a victory this season than Chicago Cubs southpaw Justin Steele would be a challenge.
Scheduled for his 10th start of the year against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night, Steele, 28, is still seeking his first win despite a solid 3.22 ERA (0-3 record). His recent outings exemplify his misfortune, allowing one run or fewer in each of his last four starts, yet ending up with an 0-1 record due to minimal defensive support and bullpen woes. Steele has impressively lowered his ERA from 5.68 over this stretch.
Reflecting on his performances, Steele emphasized, “As a pitcher, you can only control the controllables. I just try to put my team in a position to win every time I go out there.”
In his latest standout display, Steele tossed six scoreless innings against the Tampa Bay Rays last Thursday, departing with a 2-0 lead before the bullpen faltered in a 3-2 loss. Rays manager Kevin Cash acknowledged Steele’s prowess, noting, “Steele is really good. He creates a lot of deception. He really kept us off-balance.”
Looking ahead optimistically, Steele added, “All of this is going to help us in the long run. It’s a long season. Down the road, I feel like we’re really going to improve and come out better.”
Steele, who holds a career 2-1 record with a 2.16 ERA against the Giants, aims to ignite a spark for the Cubs following a disappointing series opener where closer Hector Neris surrendered a decisive three-run homer.
On the opposing mound, the Giants’ Logan Webb (6-5, 3.02 ERA) prepares to build on recent successes, securing victories in his last two starts against the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros. Webb reflects, “I just keep doing better and better, which is incentive for myself.”
Against the Cubs, Webb holds a 2-1 record with a 4.58 ERA from three career starts.
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