I love it when a Cubs Injury Update is a Good Cubs Injury Update. But have I mentioned how much I hate West Coast trips? The game doesn’t start until 8:40 CT, which means we don’t yet have a lineup (that’ll be any second). And worse, we had to wait THIS LONG for our positive update on Justin Steele. But, hey, at least it’s good news!
According to the Cubs, Justin Steele, who had an MRI done yesterday after leaving the game early on Wednesday, has been diagnosed with a mild forearm strain, which the Cubs reportedly deemed “good news.” Though we didn’t need them to tell us that (a strain means this is muscle related, as opposed to a sprain, which would have dealt with ligaments … much scarier). The last we heard, Steele might be able to miss just one start, which would likely be covered by Hayden Wesneski, and this seems to confirm that optimism. The Cubs aren’t making any pronouncements just yet, but this is decidedly good news. Don’t unclench, but you can exhale.
Also on the good news train is Cody Bellinger, who is now a week past his eligibility return date, but is also still on the shelf. As Brett mentioned earlier, however, “running” was the next big step, and that seems to be underway.
Here he is taking BP this afternoon:
Mike Tauchman has filled in admirably in his absence, but Bellinger was a big part of this lineup. It’ll be nice to have him back. And, hell, it’ll be nice to keep Tauchman around thereafter.
Brad Boxberger is throwing long toss today. I don’t have much to add to that. We’ll see how he progresses and if the Cubs think this time off will do anything to positively impact what was a very unsuccessful start to his Cubs career.