Justin Steele, the Chicago Cubs’ ace lefty, is officially making the switch to the bullpen. Forget any hopes of seeing him back on the mound as a starter this year, because that window is slammed shut. This isn’t some experimental move for next season, this is happening *now*, a desperate attempt by both Steele and the Cubs to get him back on the big-league roster and contribute *anything* before the calendar runs out on their season.
Time Ran Out for the Ace
It’s a tough pill to swallow, no doubt about it. After looking at the remaining time in the season and where Steele was in his rehab, the realization hit hard: there simply wasn’t enough runway to build him back up into a starter. And honestly, who can blame them? You can’t rush an arm, especially one that’s been so crucial. Steele himself laid it out plain, talking to the Des Moines Register on September 10th: **”We just didn’t have enough time to get built up to start.”** That’s it. Nine words that tell the whole story. The goal now is clear: if the big-league club is going to get any help from their ace this season, it absolutely has to come out of the bullpen. It’s a high-stakes pivot, betting that a fresh arm, even in relief, is better than no arm at all.
Bullpen Debut Kicks Off Rehab Stint
So, how’s that transition looking so far? Steele got his first taste of bullpen action on September 10th, pitching for the Triple-A Iowa Cubs against Toledo. The numbers from that rehab outing? He tossed two innings, giving up two runs on four hits, and struck out three batters. Not exactly lights out, right? But hey, it’s a first step. It’s about getting back into game shape, finding that rhythm from a different role, and proving he can handle the workload without going through the extensive build-up a starter needs. This isn’t just about throwing strikes, it’s about showing he’s ready to handle high-leverage situations, even if it’s just for an inning or two. Every single pitch from here on out is a test.
What does this mean for the Cubs? They’re clearly hoping this bullpen role is his ticket back to the show, a way to get an impact arm on the roster, even if it’s not the innings-eater they’re used to. It’s a scramble, for sure, trying to make the most of what’s left. But the ace is pushing to be back, doing whatever he can to help his team before the final out of the season. You’ve gotta respect that hustle, even when the cards are stacked against you.
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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