The Chicago Cubs entered the 2026 season with hopes of building on their recent playoff return, but those ambitions are now being tested by injuries, inconsistency at the plate, and growing uncertainty surrounding one of their most important pitchers. Among the biggest storylines was the expected comeback of former All-Star left-hander Justin Steele, who was anticipated to rejoin the rotation after undergoing elbow surgery that sidelined him for much of the previous year.
Steele’s return was originally projected for late spring 2026, and he was widely viewed as a potential midseason boost for a Cubs team trying to solidify its postseason position. However, that optimism has recently been replaced with caution as setbacks in his recovery process have slowed his progress and forced the organization to reassess expectations.
Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer acknowledged that Steele’s rehabilitation has not gone as smoothly as hoped, noting that while there is still hope for a return, confidence in the timeline is fading. His comments reflected a more guarded outlook than earlier projections, signaling that the pitcher’s availability for the remainder of the season is now far from guaranteed.
Manager Craig Counsell also emphasized the importance of avoiding any further complications, stressing that the team cannot afford additional setbacks at this stage of Steele’s recovery. That cautious stance highlights how fragile the situation has become, with every delay pushing a potential return further into uncertainty.
Steele last appeared in a major league game in April 2025 before undergoing season-ending elbow surgery, and initial recovery timelines had suggested a relatively early 2026 return. Instead, he remains sidelined as the season progresses deeper into the summer months, leaving a noticeable gap in the Cubs’ pitching depth.
Once regarded as a potential frontline starter and key figure in Chicago’s rotation, Steele’s extended absence has become a significant challenge for a team already dealing with inconsistency and injuries. While the Cubs have not officially ruled out a return this season, the growing concern within the organization is that continued setbacks could ultimately sideline him for the entirety of 2026.
For now, Chicago is left managing expectations, hoping for a late-season reinforcement but preparing for the possibility that one of their most important arms may not return in time to impact their playoff push.
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