Left-handed pitcher Justin Steele has anticipated the Chicago Cubs series in Arizona for some time. Steele’s journey to return to the Cubs after elbow surgery in April 2025 faced a setback in spring with a flexor strain, delaying his rehab. Steele is with the team during their three-game series against the Diamondbacks, moving closer to major-league action. He recovered well after his first live batting practice last week and has been playing catch daily without issues. Steele is slated to throw live batting practice at the team’s Mesa complex Tuesday and Friday, potentially beginning a rehab assignment afterward.
“It’s been a long road and feels really good to get towards the end of that tunnel,” Steele stated Monday. “You see how the team’s playing, you just want to get back and help.”
Steele believes it’s realistic to pitch for the Cubs this season. After experiencing a setback, the decision was made to return as a bullpen pitcher due to insufficient time to prepare as a starter effectively. This role allows him to build up quickly.
Previously, Justin Steele pitched against the Los Angeles Dodgers at the Tokyo Dome on March 19, 2025. However, a long rehab stint is necessary, as indicated by manager Craig Counsell, who emphasized the need for Steele to pitch in rehab games first due to a nearly two-year absence from affiliated games.
“I think we need to get him pitching in (rehab) games first — I don’t want to skip steps here, we’re not going to skip steps,” Counsell stressed Monday.
The Cubs remain cautious but hopeful for Steele’s postseason availability, where the focus shifts from innings for starters to collective outs from the pitching staff. If Steele shows reliability in his rehab outings, he could be valuable for the postseason.
“It’s me probably pushing the envelope a little too much just trying to get back as fast as possible, trying to skip steps and stuff, but everything’s been going good this go around,” Steele said. “Probably feel better this go around than I did the first time so it’s awesome.”
The Cubs continue to be cautious with Steele, aiming for a reliever role. Meanwhile, right-hander Ben Brown, recovering from a neck stress reaction, is closer to returning. Brown will throw live batting practice Tuesday and travel back to Chicago with the team, expecting a rehab assignment if he feels well.
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