Chicago Cubs pitcher Justin Steele is absolutely determined to get back on the mound this year, aiming for a postseason return after battling elbow surgery in 2025 and a flexor strain this season. The guy wants to help his squad track down the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central, no doubt.
Steele’s Drive Hits Counsell’s Caution
Steele “absolutely” expects to return this year, according to The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney. That kind of fire is what you love to see! But Cubs manager Craig Counsell is pumping the brakes hard on that dream. Counsell knows the reality: “We need to get him pitching in games first,” he told Mooney. It’s not about skipping steps, even if Steele is rightfully focused on getting back.
The truth is, this isn’t a quick fix. Counsell laid it out: “He hasn’t pitched in an affiliated game in almost two years, so let’s get him pitching in an affiliated game. We can understand that he’s going to have to pitch in multiple games before he’s ready.” That’s a huge hurdle to clear when you’re talking about a postseason push.
The Long Road Back: Reliever Role and Protocol
Let’s not forget, Steele was an All-Star back in 2023 and put up a sweet 3.07 ERA in 24 games in 2024. But then came the injuries. He only made four starts last season and hasn’t touched an affiliated game since April 7, 2025. It’s just too late in the season to build him up to be a starter again, so if he does make it back, he’s looking at a bullpen role.
Having an arm like that slinging heat from the bullpen would be a massive boost for the Cubs. But Counsell is being smart about this, focusing on the long game. “With players coming off Tommy John, internal brace, there’s a protocol for required ramp-up back into major-league competition, and we’re going to follow that protocol,” Counsell said. They want him back, sure, but his future is also key. The Cubs are chasing a division title, and while Steele’s heart is in it, they can’t rush this.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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