Steele (2-2) allowed two runs on five hits across four innings to take the loss Monday against the Reds. He walked three and struck out five.

EDGE Analysis

Steele did a decent job of limiting Cincinnati's offensive output, but the lefty was far from dominant as he allowed an average of two baserunners per inning. The Cubs decided to pull him after 82 pitches and his four innings of work, and then the bullpen allowed 12 more runs in the next four innings. Steele has now made two starts for Chicago, allowing five runs across nine innings while striking out six. Those numbers don't jump off the page, but with Jake Arrieta gone and Adbert Alzolay (hamstring) on the injured list, Steele doesn't have a ton of competition for a rotation spot at the moment. He's projected to start again Sunday against the Royals and will attempt to work a little bit deeper into the contest.