Potential Justin Steele replacement spotted at Wrigley Field amidst injury uncertainty

The Chicago Cubs attempted to calm the storm on Tuesday after it was announced that Justin Steele would not make his scheduled start against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Both Steele and Craig Counsell said it was good news that the starting pitcher was not being placed on the IL but neither seemed to be definitive with their stance. If anything, it seems that while the first MRI that Steele may not have shown any major structural damage, it wasn't exactly a clean bill of health for the Cubs' Opening Day starting pitcher.

The Cubs confirmed that Steele would be seeking a second opinion to ensure "everyone is seeing the same thing" but an arrival at Wrigley Field on Wednesday afternoon may have tipped the team's hand.

Right-handed relief pitcher Trey Wingenter was spotted during his arrival at Wrigley Field earlier day with luggage in hand.

Wingenter was claimed off waivers by the Cubs earlier this season and assigned to Triple-A Iowa. In 8 appearances with the Iowa Cubs this season, Wingenter has given up 5 runs (3 earned) on 5 hits while striking out 16. Prior to being claimed by the Cubs, Wingenter did appear in 2 games with the Boston Red Sox this season, getting tagged for 7 runs on 5 hits.

Trey Wingenter's arrivals hints at a pending IL move.

There is plenty to like with Wingenter's profile as he has the makeup of a pitcher that the Cubs like to work with. Wingenter features an upper-90s fastball that can lead to his strikeout numbers piling up but has had command issues during his brief stints at the Major League level.

There would need to be a corresponding move beofre Wingenter is added to the 26-man roster and given the fading postseason chances of the Cubs, Steele being moved to the IL would be easiest prediction at this point.

Editor's Update:

The Cubs announced that Jorge López has been placed on the 15-day IL with a groin injury. Wingenter will take Lopez's spot on the 26-man roster.

Editor's update 4pm:

Justin Steele is indeed headed to the IL with what the Cubs are calling left elbow tendonitis.