Did Craig Counsell Make Right Call With Justin Steele in 7th on Wednesday?

The Chicago Cubs fell to the Atlanta Braves 9-2 on Wednesday night. However, it was a huge offensive outburst in the seventh inning that allowed the score to look so lopsided. Why? Justin Steele entered after six strong innings of work, only to be lifted after some trouble for Jose Cuas, who allowed additional runs to score. At the end of the day, was Craig Counsell right leaving his ace in for one more inning? 

At the time, it felt like a mess. In hindsight, it feels like Counsell was managing for Thursday more than he was for Wednesday. Steele was knocked around the third time through the order to start the seventh, leading to the lopsided final. 

For Thursday's game, Ben Brown was named the starter, also leading to the possibility of Kyle Hendricks making his bullpen debut. With five pitchers throwing on Tuesday, it appears Counsell was taking bets that Steele could get through the seventh, leading to less work for Cuas and ultimately Hodge. The bullpen was not entirely fresh and that shined through in Counsell's decision making. The latter performed admirably, while the former was brutal. 

Saving arms for the start is one thing, but assuming Steele is ready after three starts since his return from the IL to go beyond six innings feels a little unreasonable. This isn't Shota Imanaga who has become accustomed to going deep so far this season, Steele could've used the assist instead of being thrown in the deep end. Steele isn't far off from being himself, but with his recent struggles of getting his fastball in on the hands of righties, he's not quite 100% just yet. 

From there, bringing in Cuas was another miss. Sure, it is a lot different when there are only so many arms to choose from in the pen, but Cuas let the game get away and end in a loss. The series isn't a lost hope yet, but the Cubs need a huge win at Wrigley Field on Thursday. 

There will be plenty of what-if when it comes to Wednesday's pitching decisions. But, if the Cubs can capture a series win on Thursday, then the questionable decisions will be forgiven and forgotten as the Cubs open a series with the St. Louis Cardinals this weekend.