The Chicago Cubs are trying to track down the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central and could be getting Justin Steele back at some point.
Steele underwent elbow surgery in 2025 and a flexor strain this year has kept him on the shelf. However, he is determined to return this year. He "absolutely" expects to return this year, per The Athletic's Patrick Mooney. However, Craig Counsell knows he's far from being ready.
"We need to get him pitching in games first,” Counsell said, per Mooney. “We’re not going to skip steps. He rightfully should be (focused on returning this season), but we have a lot of steps to go before we get there.
“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.”
Steele was an All-Star in 2023 and has a 3.07 ERA in 24 games in 2024. He made just four starts last season and has not pitched in a game since April 7, 2025. It's too late for him to be built up as a starter this season, so if he does return, he will likely be a reliever.
Having an arm like that in the bullpen would be great for the Cubs, but Counsell knows the team cannot rush him back. As much as they want him back, they need to be mindful of his future as well.
“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.