Justin Steele will start Cubs' U.S. opener Thursday against Diamondbacks

Nico Hoerner, returning from surgery on the flexor tendon in his right arm, went 0-for-3 in his Cactus League debut Friday against the Padres. SHARE

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MESA, Ariz. — Left-hander Justin Steele returned to the United States jet-lagged but jazzed that he would get the start Thursday against the Diamondbacks in the Cubs’ domestic opener.

It’s a relief after the outing he had in his season debut Wednesday in Tokyo.

In Game 2 of the Cubs’ season-opening series this week against the Dodgers, Steele (0-1) was tagged for five runs and five hits, including home runs by Kike Hernandez and Tommy Edman, in four innings. Steele walked one and struck out five.

Righty Jameson Taillon will get the Game 2…