Cubs To Place Justin Steele On Injured List

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Justin Steele has been placed on the 15-day injured list with a lower back strain.

The move is retroactive to July 19, and the Cubs have recalled right-handed pitcher Anderson Espinoza from Triple-A Iowa to take Steele's place on the active roster.

Steele has been one of the Cubs' most consistent starters this season, posting a 4.41 ERA and 1.19 WHIP in 18 starts. He has struck out 103 batters in 99.1 innings pitched.

The Cubs are hopeful that Steele will only miss a few starts and will be back in the rotation soon.

In the meantime, Espinoza will get a chance to make his major league debut. The 24-year-old right-hander has been impressive in Triple-A this season, posting a 3.27 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in 18 starts.