Left-hander Justin Steele is nearing a key milestone in his lengthy recovery, with the Chicago Cubs left-hander on the verge of facing hitters as he works back from a flexor strain in his pitching elbow.
The update came Wednesday from Cubs beat writer Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune, who reported that Steele, on the 60-day injured list, is approaching the live batting practice phase of his throwing program.
Steele has not pitched in a major league game since April 7, 2025, when he threw seven scoreless innings against the Texas Rangers. He underwent season-ending ulnar collateral ligament revision surgery later that month, his second elbow procedure after Tommy John surgery as a prospect in 2017.
A flexor strain diagnosed in late April 2026 while he was rehabbing further delayed his return. The Cubs had hoped for a midseason comeback, but the setback pushed any potential contribution deeper into the year.
Manager Craig Counsell has indicated the calendar makes stretching Steele out as a traditional starter unrealistic this season. Any return would almost certainly come in a relief role to help the pitching staff in the final weeks and potentially into the postseason.
Steele, 31, established himself as a reliable starter with the Cubs. In 2023, he went 16-5 with a 3.06 ERA over 30 starts, earned an All-Star nod and finished fifth in National League Cy Young Award voting. He struck out 176 batters that season while walking just 36 in 173 1/3 innings.
In 2024, Steele posted a 5-5 record and 3.07 ERA in 24 starts. His abbreviated 2025 campaign ended at 3-1 with a 4.76 ERA in four starts before the elbow injury sidelined him.
Career numbers show Steele at 32-22 with a 3.30 ERA and 517 strikeouts in 506 2/3 innings across five seasons, all with Chicago.The Cubs sit at 74-53 and second in the NL Central, 4.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers. Pitching depth has been a constant challenge amid multiple injuries throughout the year.
Steele’s progress offers a potential boost late in the season. After completing bullpen sessions, facing hitters represents the next major step before any minor league rehab assignment.
Montemurro noted that while Steele still has several hurdles remaining, he is trending in the right direction. The goal remains getting him into game action before the regular season ends.
A successful live batting practice session would clear the way for intensified work and possible activation in September. That timing could allow the Cubs to evaluate his readiness for October baseball if they secure a playoff berth.
Steele’s left-handed arm has long provided a valuable option in the rotation. Even in shorter relief stints, his experience and stuff could stabilize a bullpen that has navigated significant attrition.
The organization has taken a cautious approach since the April setback, prioritizing long-term health over rushing the lefty back. Imaging earlier in the recovery confirmed no structural issues with the repaired UCL.
For a pitcher who once ranked among the National League’s elite, the path back has tested patience. Steele has spoken previously about his desire to contribute and the frustration of repeated delays.
Wednesday’s positive development marks tangible advancement after months of methodical throwing progression that began in earnest during the summer. From plyo balls to flat-ground work and eventually the mound, each phase has built toward this point.
If Steele reaches a major league mound again in 2026, it would close a chapter that began more than 16 months earlier. The Cubs will continue monitoring his response carefully as he prepares to face hitters for the first time since the flexor strain.
Success in that phase would bring the veteran one step closer to rejoining a contending club still fighting for division positioning and a strong playoff seed.
