CHICAGO (AP) — When Justin Steele got hurt on opening day, the big question for the Chicago Cubs centered on the state of their rotation without their ace left-hander.
That concern faded away over time.
Steele returned to one of baseball's best rotations on Monday night, starting Chicago's 6-3 loss to San Diego in the opener of a three-game series. He allowed three hits, struck out two and walked one in 4 2/3 scoreless innings at Wrigley Field.
It was Steele's first major league appearance since he strained his left hamstring while making a play on a sacrifice bunt at Texas on March 28.
“Felt really good, especially pitching at Wrigley again in front of the fans,” Steele said. “Really awesome just to be back with the team again, you know, in the locker room, hanging out with the guys and stuff. ... As far as how I felt and stuff, felt really good.”
The 28-year-old Steele was a breakout performer last year, going 16-5 with a 3.06 ERA in 30 starts. He made the NL All-Star team for the first time and finished fifth in balloting for the NL Cy Young Award.
Steele made a rehab start with Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday, allowing three runs and six hits in 3 1/3 innings. He threw 68 pitches against San Diego, 43 for strikes.
“We got to build up some endurance still,” manager Craig Counsell said. “But for where we were at, I thought he delivered a great performance. Exactly what we needed, and a great first step.”
Keegan Thompson was optioned to Iowa to make room on the roster. Thompson is 1-0 with a 3.38 ERA in seven relief appearances for Chicago this season.
The Cubs have a 21-15 record, more than holding their own while Steele was out.
The rotation has played a key role in Chicago's solid start. Shota Imanaga, who pitches on Tuesday night, is 5-0 with a 0.78 ERA in his first big league season after signing with the Cubs in January. Jameson Taillon (3-0, 1.13 ERA) and Javier Assad (3-0, 1.66 ERA) have been terrific, and young right-handers Hayden Wesneski and Ben Brown also have provided some valuable innings.
“I think our starting pitching has been excellent,” Counsell said. “Obviously some of the guys that were in the rotation all year, Shota and Javy, have been brilliant, and Jameson Taillon's been excellent, and then Hayden and Ben have come up and been really important.”
Chicago's starting pitchers have tossed 23 scoreless innings over the last four games. The rotation has a 3.04 ERA on the year, ranking third in the major leagues.
“I think all those guys have stepped up and really produced for us,” president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said. “And that's what you need to get through injuries.”
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB
CORRECTS TO JUSTIN STEELE NOT JUSTINE STEELE - Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Justin Steele throws agains the San Diego Padres during the first inning of a baseball game Monday, May 6, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
CORRECTS TO JUSTIN STEELE NOT JUSTINE STEELE - Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Justin Steele throws agains the San Diego Padres during the first inning of a baseball game Monday, May 6, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Justin Steele warms up before a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Monday, May 6, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
NEWARK, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 1, 2025--
Citizens for Judicial Fairness (CJF), an advocacy organization committed to promoting transparency and diversity in Delaware’s courts and public leadership, today presented a $10,000 donation to the Food Bank of Delaware to support its ongoing efforts to combat hunger and provide essential services to families in need.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250501791186/en/
The donation underscores CJF’s growing investment in Delaware’s community infrastructure, aligning its mission for judicial and institutional fairness with support for on-the-ground work that fosters resilience and equity.
“In the face of uncertainty brought on by recent federal decisions, I’m incredibly grateful to have community partners like Citizens for Judicial Fairness. Their generous donation to the Food Bank of Delaware helps ensure this vital organization can continue its important work—serving thousands of Delaware families and bringing hope to those who need it most,”said Delaware House Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown.
The event, held at the Food Bank’s Newark facility, brought together elected officials, nonprofit leaders, and community members to celebrate the power of collaboration in advancing equity and access for all Delawareans.
“ At Citizens for Judicial Fairness, our mission is to promote transparency, accountability, and fairness in leadership—especially within our courts and institutions,” said Jackie Griffith, Executive Director of Citizens for Judicial Fairness. “But lasting change requires more than policy reform; it requires strong, resilient communities. That’s why we’re proud to support the Food Bank of Delaware. Their work not only addresses food insecurity, it helps build the kind of civic strength that empowers people to engage, lead, and demand more representative leadership. A more resilient Delaware is the foundation for a fairer Delaware—and we’re honored to be part of that effort.”
The Food Bank of Delaware serves tens of thousands of residents each year, providing nutritious meals and vital support services while advocating for long-term solutions to hunger and poverty. CJF’s donation will help expand these efforts at a time when demand for food assistance remains high across the state.
“We’re grateful to Citizens for Judicial Fairness for this generous gift,” said Chad Robinson, Vice President of External Affairs at the Food Bank of Delaware. “Tackling food insecurity takes a village —all of us can play a role - nonprofits, the public sector, and private partners. Together, we are working towards a Delaware where no person struggles with how to put food on their table and showing the world how good things happen when we work together.”
This contribution is one of several CJF has made to local organizations in recent months as part of its effort to build momentum for a more inclusive, responsive, and transparent system of governance in Delaware. Earlier this year, CJF also donated $10,000 to the Police Athletic League of Wilmington’s D.I.V.A.S. program, which empowers young women through entrepreneurship, leadership development, and mentoring—further demonstrating CJF’s commitment to uplifting grassroots efforts that create real opportunities for Delawareans.
Citizens for Judicial Fairness Donates $10,000 to Food Bank of Delaware to Support Statewide Fight Against Food Insecurity
Citizens for Judicial Fairness Donates $10,000 to Food Bank of Delaware to Support Statewide Fight Against Food Insecurity
