Chris Welsh delivered negative news about Justin Steele who is officially heading to the 15-day IL with left elbow tendonitis. Welsh emphasized the significance of this injury, calling it a massive loss for a Cubs rotation that relies heavily on Steele. Fantasy managers should consider pivoting to alternative pitching options given the uncertainty and potential severity of elbow inflammation for pitchers.

JD Bets strongly recommends betting Justin Steele over 1.5 earned runs allowed against the Texas Rangers, highlighting Steele's recent struggles. Steele has allowed at least two earned runs in each of his last three starts, making JD Bets reluctant to trust him to perform better now. Despite the Cubs offense showing promise recently, JD is more confident in Texas' strong hitting lineup effectively capitalizing on Steele's recent vulnerability. JD explicitly dismisses weather or other external factors, firmly believing Steele's poor recent outings indicate continued struggles against Texas.

Kenny G highlighted significant issues for Cubs pitcher Justin Steele, recommending consideration of the over total despite a low listed number. Steele has struggled with home runs, having allowed multiple home runs in two of his three starts and at least one in each outing. Steele gave up seven hits and four earned runs, including two home runs, in his last start against a weak-hitting A's lineup. The Cubs are producing offensively (second in MLB runs scored), while the Rangers offense showed timely hitting capability after sweeping Tampa Bay. Kenny tempered enthusiasm due to potential weather concerns at Wrigley Field, but indicated Steele's consistent home-run vulnerability makes betting the over a viable angle in this game.

Just A Bet Outside warned bettors and fantasy managers about Justin Steele's difficult start to the season. Steele has struggled significantly, surrendering a total of 12 earned runs in just 15.2 innings across his first three starts, alongside 18 hits allowed. Given these concerning stats, Steele is considered a risky play and should be avoided until he demonstrates turnaround signs.

Eric Lindquist recommends taking the over (8 runs) for the Cubs versus Athletics game. Lindquist highlights a park environment with spacious gaps conducive to doubles and extra-base hits, similar to a Pacific Coast League (PCL) environment that tends to elevate scoring. He identified concerns specifically around Cubs pitcher Justin Steele, who has struggled early on with a 13.8% barrel rate against him this season. Coupling Steele's recent poor performances with advantageous hitting conditions, Lindquist confidently backs the over despite acknowledging the slightly juiced line of -115.

Just a Bet Outside highlighted significant concerns about Justin Steele's performance, who has struggled extensively early this season. Through two starts, Steele has allowed 8 earned runs and 11 hits over nine innings while posting mediocre strikeout metrics (7 Ks, 2 walks). Adding context, his final spring training outing was also concerning, surrendering 7 runs and 10 hits in just 3.2 innings. Given his consistently poor form, Steele appears likely to continue struggling in today's matchup, making him a risk for fantasy and DFS lineups. His difficulties supporting strong interest in the game total over as well.

Kyle Purviance likes Justin Steele to reach at least five strikeouts, as part of a high-upside parlay. He highlights Steele's favorable matchup, contributing significantly to a nearly 298-to-1 parlay, expressing confidence in Steele's ability to handle the opposing lineup, making this individual prop a high-confidence play.

Adam Rosenberg advised betting Justin Steele under 15.5 pitching outs at -118 odds against the Diamondbacks. Arizona had the fourth-best OPS versus lefty pitchers during spring training and ranked first in baseball in the same metric last season. Steele struggled against the Dodgers in his final spring start and historically performs worse when receiving extra rest, which is the case here. Additionally, the Cubs have no rest days following this start, suggesting a cautious approach and early bullpen usage. Steele has notably struggled against the Diamondbacks previously, going 0-2 with a 4.00 ERA and allowing five and six runs, respectively, in his last two matchups with Arizona. Steele also went under this innings prop in each of his first three starts last year, making this a strong fade scenario. Scott Reichel added important context that current Diamondbacks hitters own a .338 batting average and .372 OBP in 78 career plate appearances versus Steele.

ESPN Fantasy advised against pitching Cubs left-hander Justin Steele, who struggled heavily in his last start during the Tokyo Series, mainly because he missed significant spring training time due to illness. Steele remains insufficiently stretched out entering this start, placing him at risk. Adding to the concern, his matchup is daunting, facing the Arizona Diamondbacks, who had MLB's best offense last season and are expected to be among the elite offenses again in 2025. Considering these factors, Steele is labeled as a fantasy baseball pitcher to avoid.

Steve Seagrave advised betting the under on Justin Steele's total outs recorded at 15.5. He reasoned that Steele will likely have strict pitch limits early, as shown last season where Steele never exceeded the fifth inning and pitched only 67, 68, and 74 pitches in his first three starts. In his season opener against the Dodgers, he threw just 67 pitches over four innings. Further concern arises because he's facing a Diamondbacks lineup that was exceptional vs left-handed pitching in 2024. Steele is thus expected to struggle again, particularly due to limited pitch counts and matchup disadvantages. This prop is currently available at minus-120 at DraftKings, significantly better than the minus-160 at FanDuel.

Rob Donaldson recommends betting three units on the Cubs moneyline at +118 for MLB Opening Day against Zach Gallen and the Diamondbacks. Despite Zach Gallen's big name and strong pitching arsenal, Donaldson highlights his pronounced tendency to struggle with hard-hit percentages. Gallen has consistently posted some of the highest hard-hit rates among pitchers with elite reputations, which adds vulnerability throughout his starts. On the other side, Justin Steele already faced a talented Dodgers lineup early this season and although he struggled initially, Donaldson views that outing as a valuable building point heading into this game. Additionally, the Cubs come into this matchup extra motivated after starting 0-2, losing games to the Dodgers in Japan, making this an ideal spot to back an undervalued, motivated team.

Bettor Mark identified clear vulnerability for Cubs starter Justin Steele in his matchup against the Diamondbacks. Mark noted that Steele has the capacity to pitch decently, but also sees a strong possibility he gets hit hard by Arizona's upgraded offense. Because of this potential blow-up risk, Mark stated he would lean towards the Diamondbacks as the right side in this matchup, even though he personally refrained from placing an official bet on the game.