Mully & Haugh: Justin Steele's injury means Craig Counsell is already tasked with doing more with less

(670 The Score) The Cubs lost the game and their ace in their season opener Thursday.

In his team’s 4-3 loss to the Rangers in 10 innings, Cubs left-hander Justin Steele exited after 4 2/3 innings after suffering a left hamstring strain while fielding a bunt. It wasn’t immediately clear how long he’ll be out, but a trip to the injured list is almost certain to follow.

So how big of a blow is Steele’s injury for the Cubs? The Mully & Haugh crew debated that Friday morning.

“Welcome to Chicago, Craig Counsell,” host David Haugh said. “But I think that he’s the right manager, because he has been through these kinds of things before. Every manager probably has. He’s done more with less, and that’s his thing. So now he gets a chance.

“You felt bad for Justin Steele. I felt worse for him. He went from having a defining start on his first career Opening Day (start) on the mound when the game starts to, it went from defining to deflating in a moment.”

Left-hander Drew Smyly and right-hander Hayden Wesneski are candidates to fill Steele’s spot in the rotation while he’s out.

“The Cubs are prepared for this,” Haugh said.

“They anticipated stuff like this to happen along the way.”