The Chicago Cubs have received encouraging progress from Justin Steele, but manager Craig Counsell is making sure expectations surrounding the All-Star pitcher’s long-awaited return do not get too far ahead of reality.
Steele has been working his way back from an extended injury absence, and the Cubs are hopeful he can contribute during the final stretch of the 2026 season. However, Counsell recently urged patience, emphasizing that there are still several important steps Steele must complete before the club can seriously consider activating him.
Cubs Pump the Brakes on Steele
Steele has not pitched in an affiliated game since April 7, 2025, when he suffered a torn UCL that ultimately required Tommy John surgery. His subsequent recovery was complicated by a left elbow flexor strain, further delaying his comeback.
The 30-year-old left-hander is now approaching the next significant stage of his rehabilitation. He is expected to throw bullpen sessions before potentially beginning a minor-league rehab assignment in September.
That progress has naturally created excitement around Wrigleyville, particularly with Chicago positioned to make a postseason push. But Counsell is refusing to put a firm timetable on Steele’s return.
“We have a lot of steps to go before we get there,” Counsell said, according to reports. He also stressed that Steele needs to pitch in multiple affiliated games before the Cubs can determine whether he is ready for a major-league return.
A Potential Postseason Weapon
If Steele can successfully complete his rehabilitation, his return could give Chicago another valuable weapon for October.
The Cubs have spent much of the season dealing with pitching injuries, forcing the organization to rely on its depth and make additions to the staff. The club acquired veteran starter Kevin Gausman before the trade deadline, and he has already provided an immediate boost. Gausman recently threw seven scoreless innings in a 7-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Steele’s potential return would therefore come at an important time.
The Cubs entered Wednesday with a 76-56 record and remain firmly in the postseason picture. Although they trail the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central, Chicago holds the top National League Wild Card position.
Steele Could Have a Different Role
One important detail surrounding Steele’s comeback is that the Cubs are not necessarily expecting him to immediately return to the starting rotation.
MLB’s latest injury update lists a late-2026 return as the target and notes that, if Steele does make it back to Chicago, the plan is for him to work out of the bullpen.
That approach would allow the Cubs to manage his workload carefully after such a lengthy absence while still giving the team an experienced left-handed option for the postseason.
Steele has already shown what he can do at the major-league level. Before his injury, he developed into one of Chicago’s most reliable starters and earned All-Star recognition.
Now, the priority is simply getting him healthy enough to pitch competitively again.
The Cubs Are Taking No Chances
For a team with postseason ambitions, there is little reason to rush Steele.
The Cubs have enough pitching depth to allow the veteran lefty to complete every necessary step of his rehabilitation. A successful return could be a major boost, but bringing him back too quickly could create another setback at the worst possible time.
For now, Cubs fans can celebrate the fact that Steele is finally nearing game action after such a difficult road back.
The excitement is real, but Counsell’s message is clear: Steele’s return is getting closer, not guaranteed.
If everything goes according to plan, the former All-Star could still become an intriguing addition to Chicago’s pitching staff when the postseason arrives.
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