Cubs News: Easter doubleheader, Justin Steele rehab, Triple-A prospect on fire

A Sunday doubleheader? And on Easter, no less? That's the dream. Means we'll have the first game on while we have dinner at my grandmother's and I'll have the radio on during the drive home - not a bad way to close out the holiday weekend before heading out of town for a work trip bright and early on Monday.

The Chicago Cubs are looking to bounce back after a series-opening loss on Friday that was overshadowed by the loss of Cade Horton, who was replaced by left-hander Riley Martin on the 26-man roster. The lefty will slot into the pen and it's safe to assume Colin Rea will take Horton's spot in the rotation for the time being.

As for the twin bill, Edward Cabrera will take the ball in the opener and Shota Imanaga will follow in the nightcap. Cabrera was brilliant in his Cubs debut last week, while Imanaga battled back from a first-inning three-run shot to give a decent outing - but it did little to calm fears about him being effective this season.

First pitch of the afternoon game is set for 12:10p CT and the evening tilt has a TBD start time.

Key Cubs pitcher continues to make strides; Triple-A prospect stays hot

Justin Steele throws off the Wrigley Field mound on Saturday

With Horton sidelined for a yet-to-be-determined length of time, Justin Steele's tentative late May return is looking more important than ever. His rehab process continues to progress - and the left-hander threw off the mound at Wrigley Field this weekend - a welcome sight for a fanbase that's more than worried about the rotation just one week in.

Of course, Steele made just four starts last season before being shut down for the year. His loss loomed large late in the year, especially come October, and getting him back anywhere close to where he was before the injury would be huge for the Cubs. If they can somehow avoid a worst-case scenario with Horton and have both back for the summer? Sign me up.

Pedro Ramirez is putting the league on notice at Triple-A Iowa

There are hot starts and then there's whatever you want to call Pedro Ramirez' start to the season in Des Moines.

Ramirez blasted his third homer of the year on Saturday, giving him a trio of long-balls to go with three stolen bases and a ridiculous 1.231 OPS. Chicago's #9-ranked prospect is tapping into a newfound power to pair with his speed that helped him swipe a career-best 28 bags last year. If he can show this is sustainable, we're talking major jumps on prospect rankings boards come mid-summer.