Page 59 - Kyle Hendricks News Today

All signs point to Chicago Cubs left-hander Justin Steele being ready to go for Opening Day after taking a comebacker off the leg in his final spring tune-up.

Garrett Cooper and Michael Busch homered, but the Cubs neither won nor lost.

And, of course, Mr. Cub Ernie Banks lands on top of the list.

Trea Turner's speed and instincts helped him go perfect on the bases. Thanks to several rules changes, runners swiped bags more proficiently and stolen bases across the majors increased 41% from 2,486 in 2022 to 3,503 in 2023. Turner is one of only six players in MLB history to steal at least 20 bases in a season at a 100% rate.

Thanks to several rules changes, runners swiped bags more proficiently and stolen bases across the majors increased 41% to 3,503 in 2023, the most in a season since 1987.

Justin Steele is confident that his bruised left knee won’t prevent him from starting Opening Day. Ian Happ, however, might not be ready to go because his recovery from a left hamstring injury has plateaued.

The Cubs righthanded pitching prospect had a fine outing.

The Cubs head west again to face Seattle.

The Chicago Cubs will place Patrick Wisdom on the IL to open the season as the team prepares for the final decisions on their Opening Day roster.

The Chicago Cubs will be without Jameson Taillon until at least mid-April, giving some of the team's young starters a chance to prove their value early in the year.