Cubs ace Justin Steele exits '24 opener with leg injury

Field Level Media|published: Thu 28th March, 21:18 2024

Mar 31, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Justin Steele (35) and catcher Yan Gomes (15) walk off the field after Steele suffers an injury during the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. credits: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Cubs ace left-hander Justin Steele sustained a left leg injury while fielding a bunt in the fifth inning of Thursday's season opener against the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas.

Steele immediately clutched at the back of his left leg after backhanding the ball to first baseman Michael Busch on a bunt by Leody Taveras.

Julian Merryweather came in to replace Steele, who exited after allowing one run on three hits with six strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings.

Steele, 28, posted a 16-5 record with a 3.06 ERA last season to finish fifth in the balloting for the National League's Cy Young Award.

—Field Level Media

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