Chicago Cubs left-handed starter Justin Steele exited prematurely during Wednesday's game against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays with what was termed after the game as left forearm tightness -- with multiple reports saying the team intends to give him an MRI.

After Steele recorded the first out in the top of the third inning, Cubs manager David Ross and trainer Nick Frangella came out to the mound after apparently spotting an issue with Steele. The Cubs left him in the game, and Steele completed the frame.

However, he gave way to Hayden Wesneski in the fourth after three perfect innings in a game the Cubs eventually lost 4-3.

Steele, 27, has been one of the majors' biggest surprises this season. After a breakthrough 2022 season in which he finished with a 3.18 ERA in 24 starts, he is 6-2 this season and dropped his ERA to 2.65 on Wednesday in his 12th start of the season.

This marks the third MLB season for the Cubs' fifth-round pick in 2014.