Back to the Chicago Cubs Newsfeed

Justin Steele seems OK; Ian Happ’s status murky for Cubs’ season opener against Rangers

Matt York/AP

The Cubs haven’t made any contingency plans in the event Justin Steele suffers a regression, and he plans to throw 35 to 40 pitches Monday or Tuesday in his last bullpen session before the opener.

MESA, Ariz. — The Cubs and left-hander Justin Steele are confident that his bruised left knee won’t prevent him from facing the World Series champion Rangers.

The prognosis for left fielder Ian Happ, however, seems murky because his recovery from a left hamstring injury has plateaued.

Manager Craig Counsell said Opening Day is “not in jeopardy yet.