Cubs Spring Training: Steele's Progress, Long's Injury, and a Triple Play Surprise
As spring training unfolds, the Chicago Cubs are already serving up a mix of excitement and unpredictability. With the World Baseball Classic on the horizon, let's dive into the latest happenings from the Cubs' camp.
A Bizarre Triple Play and a Day of Chaos
Sunday's game against the San Francisco Giants was anything but ordinary for the Cubs. The team found themselves in a peculiar situation, hitting into a rare triple play in the first inning. This unexpected twist came right after fire alarms caused a bit of chaos, prompting some fans to make an early exit.
Despite the quirky events and a 0-3 start in Cactus League play, there were bright spots. Miguel Amaya and Dylan Carlson each collected two hits. Even in the loss, drawing ten walks and striking out only three times shows that baseball can be as unpredictable as it is thrilling.
Positive Signs for Justin Steele
Cubs fans have reason to be optimistic about Justin Steele's recovery. The left-handed pitcher is making steady progress, with a return expected in the first half of the season.
Steele has been ramping up his bullpen sessions, focusing on his four-seam fastball, sinkers, and sliders. He plans to reintroduce changeups soon, followed by curveballs.
While he's not game-ready yet, Steele's return could be a game-changer for the Cubs. Known for his gritty performances, having him back in action would bolster an already strong pitching lineup, especially with October in mind.
Jonathon Long's Elbow Sprain: A Close Call
In a concerning moment during the Cubs' matchup with the Rangers, infield prospect Jonathon Long suffered an elbow sprain after a collision at first base. Fortunately, the injury isn't as severe as it looked initially, and he avoided a more serious outcome.
Long had an impressive 2025 season at Iowa, but breaking into the major league lineup remains a challenge with Michael Busch and Moises Ballesteros ahead of him. Still, his potential is undeniable, and if he continues to perform, a call-up to Chicago could be in his future.
As the Cubs navigate the ups and downs of spring training, fans can look forward to seeing how these storylines develop. With Steele's promising recovery and Long's resilience, there's plenty to keep an eye on as the season approaches.