Justin Steele returns, doesn’t allow a run

For the last five weeks, Justin Steele could only support his Chicago Cubs teammates and try to keep his arm moving as he rehabbed from his left hamstring strain.

When his return finally arrived Monday night, Steele did his part to keep the rotation rolling in his first start since opening day by tossing 4 2/3 shutout innings against the San Diego Padres in a 6-3 loss at Wrigley Field.

“The rotation has been almost flawless as of late,” Steele said. “So you have to tip your hat and just a testament to the depth we have.”

Cubs starting pitchers have combined for a 3.04 ERA this season, and Steele’s presence gives them another standout arm to rely on.

“I mean, I’m excited,” Steele said. “You want to show up to the ballpark and play every day because you feel like we have a good chance to win every day, especially the way everyone’s throwing the ball. We have a really good team as far as picking each other up.”

Steele had some limitations in his return Monday as he continues to build up endurance. He made only two rehab starts in which he topped out at 63 pitches Wednesday with Triple-A Iowa.

“I thought he delivered a great performance, exactly what we needed and a great first step,” manager Craig Counsell said.