Justin Steele returns as Chicago Cubs host San Diego Padres

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CHICAGO -- When Justin Steele was injured on opening day, the big question for the Chicago Cubs centered on the state of their rotation without their ace left-hander.

That concern faded away over time.

Steele returned to one of baseball's best rotations on Monday night, starting the opener of a three-game series against the San Diego Padres. It was Steele's first major league appearance since he strained his left hamstring while making a play on a sacrifice bunt at Texas on March 28.

The 28-year-old Steele was a breakout performer last year, going 16-5 with a 3.06 ERA in 30 starts. He made the NL All-Star team for the first time and finished fifth in balloting for…