Justin Steele had been cruising.

Then a bunt from Leody Tavares derailed his night. In the 5^th inning with 1 out, Steele moved to his left to field the bunt, flipped it to first and fell over. As he was on the ground, Steele grabbed his left hamstring. Trainer Nick Frangella came to his attention and Steele exited under his own power. 

After the game, manager Craig Counsell said Steele left the game with a left hamstring strain. 

“Likely IL,” Counsell said after the game. “Obviously an important member of the team. Looks like we’re gonna miss him for a bit here.”

Justin Steele left the game after this play. pic.twitter.com/hK0ROAFPaS

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) March 29, 2024

He was replaced by Julian Merryweather.

Steele had been dealing in his first Opening Day start. The Cubs’ ace had 6 strikeouts in 4.2 innings before exiting. He allowed a run on 3 hits in the outing.

The lefty had exited his last spring outing early when he took a one-hopper off his left knee against the Giants over the weekend. He suffered a left knee contusion but was deemed OK to pitch in the opener.

If he’s out for any time, it will really test the Cubs’ pitching depth. The team is already short one starter as Jameson Taillon started the season on the IL and is building back up from a back injury. The team could opt to move lefty Drew Smyly from the bullpen into the rotation and recall Hayden Wesneski to provide some depth if necessary.

Smyly pitched in relief in the Cubs’ 4-3 loss on Thursday. The Cubs will have to make a roster move if Steele does in fact land on the IL.