MESA, Ariz. — Justin Steele exited his final tune-up start before Opening Day in the 2^nd inning at Sloan Park with a left knee contusion, the Cubs announced.

Luis Matos hit a one-hopper that hit Justin Steele on the left leg. He immediately fell to the ground. Trainer Nick Frangella, pitching coach Tommy Hottovy and bench coach Ryan Flaherty all came up to him to tend to him. Manager Craig Counsell was managing the split-squad game in Scottsdale against San Francisco.

Steele walked off the field on his own power and went down the stairs of the dugout on his own as he walked straight into the bowels of Sloan Park.

Justin Steele exited today's game after getting hit in the leg. pic.twitter.com/7FhiShr9jg

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) March 22, 2024

The lefty was announced as the Cubs’ Opening Day starter which is six days away in Texas. The Cubs’ rotation has already suffered one injury, with Jameson Taillon being ruled out until at least mid-April by Counsell on Friday. On Thursday, Counsell announced the Cubs’ Opening Day rotation would consist of Steele, Kyle Hendricks, Shota Imanaga, Jordan Wicks and Javier Assad.

Assad was pitching the split-squad game at Scottsdale Stadium, so he’s on the same schedule as Steele as an option if Steele can’t go.

Drew Smyly was being stretched out and competing for the final rotation spot before Assad and Wicks claimed the final two spots. He’s stretched out and could give the Cubs length, too. Hayden Wesneski was competing for a rotation spot and is in camp battling for a bullpen role and could figure into the mix, too.

This story will be updated.