Rangers 4, Cubs 3: Justin Steele leaves with hamstring tightness

Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty ImagesI have a request.

Next time the Cubs open a season — a year or so from now — could we have a little less controversy and injury?

The Cubs lost Game 1 of the 2024 season to the Rangers 4-3 in 10 innings, and also have likely lost ace Justin Steele to the injured list, though for how long is not yet certain.

This game also featured the Cubs taking the lead three times, blowing said lead three times, a wacky and controversial play at home plate, a pinch home run by a player who had previously hit 10 career home runs in over 1,500 plate appearances and just two since 2018, and other weird and odd events.

Let’s begin at the beginning. Christopher Morel, serving as…