Chicago Cubs left-hander Justin Steele joined his teammates in the visitors clubhouse at Chase Field on Monday, offering the clearest sign yet that his lengthy recovery from elbow problems is nearing a critical stage.
Steele, a 2023 All-Star, has not pitched in a major league game since early in the 2025 season. He underwent surgery on his left elbow that April and later dealt with a flexor strain that further delayed his return this year.
The lefty is scheduled for another live bullpen session Tuesday at the team’s Arizona complex. If that goes as planned, he hopes to throw one more live batting practice session before starting minor league rehab assignments.
Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reported the details Monday evening.
“Cubs Justin Steele is in the clubhouse here in Arizona. He has another live bullpen tomorrow. After that, he’s hopeful, he will have 1 more live BP before he begins his rehab assignments.”
Steele has spent his entire major league career with the Cubs, making his debut in 2021. He earned All-Star honors in 2023 after establishing himself as a reliable starter.
“It’s been a long road and feels really good to get towards the end of that tunnel,” Steele said. “You see how the team’s playing, you just want to get back and help.”
Manager Craig Counsell has struck a cautious tone about the timeline. He noted that Steele has not pitched in an affiliated game in nearly two years and will need multiple appearances before he can be considered ready for major league action.
The Cubs have reset expectations for Steele, viewing him primarily as a potential late-season reliever rather than a starter. With limited time remaining in the regular season, building him up for multi-inning starts is not realistic.
Steele said the decision to target a bullpen role made sense after the setback earlier this year. He anticipates working in shorter stints of two or three innings if he reaches the majors before the end of the season.
Teammates greeted him warmly before Monday’s game, a 7-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Kevin Gausman threw seven shutout innings in that contest while Michael Conforto went 3-for-3 with a home run and a double.
The Cubs entered Tuesday’s game with a 76-56 record, sitting second in the National League Central. They control a wild-card position as they push toward the postseason.
After finishing the series in Phoenix, Chicago returns home to face the Cincinnati Reds. The upcoming stretch will give the club more opportunities to evaluate progress on the injured list.
Fans following the update on social media expressed a mix of excitement and caution. Some recalled Steele’s earlier days as a dominant reliever before he moved into the rotation full time.
Others simply noted how long he has been away and hoped he can stay healthy this time. One commenter observed that it has been so long some supporters barely remember what he looks like on the mound.
Steele turns 31 soon and remains under team control for the near term. His successful return, even in a limited role, could provide a meaningful boost as the Cubs chase October baseball.
For now, the focus stays on the next live sessions and a careful ramp-up. Officials emphasize there are still multiple steps ahead before any activation decision.
The organization continues to monitor the situation closely, prioritizing health after the extended absence that has kept one of its former top arms sidelined for so long.
