MLB: Chicago Cubs at Arizona Diamondbacks Mar 27, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Justin Steele (35) pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Chicago Cubs’ replacement for Justin Steele is turning heads

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated May 1, 2025 4:53 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs have made a few alterations to their pitching staff due to injuries. On Wednesday, Javier Assad was put on the 60-day injury list due to an oblique injury.

The most significant injury occurred to the starting rotation when Justin Steele suffered an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery, the second such surgery for the lefty since 2017.

On Wednesday, the Cubs called up Chris Flexen to take the place Colin Rea occupied earlier in the season.

Chicago Cubs’ replacement for Justin Steele has been hot recently

Rea has been pitching well recently, and Marquee Sports Network argued that he has been a solid replacement for Steele.

“Colin Rea has been phenomenal replacing Justin Steele in the rotation,” MSN posted on X.

Colin Rea has been phenomenal replacing Justin Steele in the rotation pic.twitter.com/IXQvlXrVOx

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) May 1, 2025

In his four starts this season, Rea has an ERA of 1.86. He’s earned 19 strikeouts and given up five walks in 19.1 innings pitched.

Rea was the Cubs’ starting pitcher during Thursday’s 8-3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates in front of 13,633 fans at PNC Park. He allowed two earned runs on four hits and recorded two strikeouts in six innings pitched.

Fans are excited about Colin Rea

MLB: Spring Training Cleveland Guardians at Chicago Cubs Cubs pitcher Colin Rea (53) throws against the Cleveland Guardians in the first inning at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Fans were excited about his play on Thursday.

“Colin Rea has the ability to put the other team to sleep Inning after inning he gets easy outs. He’s Melatonin on the mound The other team wakes up and it’s too late,” wrote a fan.

“Is it too early to say Colin Rea for Cy Young,” asked another.

Rea has appeared in several games for the Cubs this season. Before Thursday’s game, he had a 2-0 record with an ERA of 1.46. He’s given up 21 hits and four earned runs in 24.2 innings pitched.

MLB: Texas Rangers at Chicago Cubs MLB: Texas Rangers at Chicago Cubs Apr 7, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Colin Rea (53) delivers during the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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