Cubs Call Up Left-Handed Pitching Prospect

The Cubs bullpen has already seen a handful of changes through the first week of the 2020 season with the latest addition being 2014 draft pick Justin Steele.

The left-handed pitcher has made 75 starts in the minors and has posted a 3.62 ERA in 80 total appearances, covering 320.2 innings since he was taken in the fifth round out of high school.

This is Steele’s first call to the majors. He’s taking James Norwood’s spot in the bullpen, as the right-hander was placed on the 10-day injured list with shoulder inflammation.

The #Cubs today placed RHP James Norwood on the 10-day IL (retroactive to July 30) with right shoulder inflammation.

LHP Justin Steele was recalled from the club’s South Bend Alternate Site.

Steele, who joins the first major league roster of his career, will wear No. 35. pic.twitter.com/kOsVJLYPcc

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 2, 2020

Steele will wear #35, which was Cole Hamels’ number with the Cubs from 2018-20. And guess what, it’s no coincidence.

Here’s Steele telling the story…https://t.co/58rxIKZxHH https://t.co/arqPKzljXR

— Evan Altman (@DEvanAltman) August 2, 2020

Before Steele’s promotion to the big leagues, the Cubs only had two lefties in the bullpen and both have shown some shakiness. Rex Brothers was hit hard in his last appearance against the Reds, while Kyle Ryan’s velocity dipped Saturday night against the Pirates.

After the second game of the season, the other lefty on the Opening Day roster, Brad Wieck, went on the injured list with a strained hamstring.

Love the Cubs trying Justin Steele out of their bullpen. He’s stretched out to pitch multiple innings as a long reliever, but has a pitch profile to succeed in shorter stints against a couple lefties. The 2700-3000 rpm slider he’s worked really hard to add has been a gamechanger.

— Cubs Prospects – Bryan Smith (@cubprospects) August 2, 2020

Here’s a thread going over Steele’s profile.

For those curious about Justin Steele:
25-year old lefty. Starter throughout MILB career, but injury and inconsistent command mean his future likely as reliever. Capable of 95-97, also a 2S, curve and change. Throws strikes, but prone to catching too much plate. Sort of lefty DUJ

— Michael Ernst (@mj_ernst) August 2, 2020