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Cubs manager Craig Counsell’s Justin Steele injury update makes trade even more necessary
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- Cubs manager Craig Counsell’s Justin Steele injury update makes trade even more necessary
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The Chicago Cubs were hopeful they would see the return of ace pitcher Justin Steele during this year's campaign. Steele needed surgery after just four starts in 2025 due to a UCL injury. He began working back from the injury, but his recovery was stalled due to a flexor strain in his left forearm. Recently, Steele returned to rehabbing for the Cubs .
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Now, Craig Counsell is giving an update on the future of Steele, per Bob Nightengale of MLB.com.
" Chicago Cubs ace Justin Steele , who hasn't pitched since April 7, 2025, is expected to start throwing off a mound the first week of August, but Cubs manager Craig Counsell said it will be too late in the season for him to rejoin the rotation and instead would be used in the bullpen in September," Nightengale wrote.
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With the fact that Steele will be returning to the bullpen, this places the Cubs in a situation to still need another starting pitcher for the push to the playoffs. The pitching for the Cubs has not been great this year. They are 21st in the majors in team ERA, while sitting tied for 23rd in quality starts.
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Shota Imanaga has been the top starting pitcher for the Cubs, but he is just 5-8 with a 4.17 ERA. He is also the only pitcher who has made more than ten starts and has a positive WAR. Colin Rea has made just two quality starts this year, and he is 4-5 with a 4.75 ERA, but is the closest to a positive WAR among the starters.
The Cubs are 53-42 on the year , which places them in second in the NL Central. They are also in control of the top wild-card spot in the National League. The Cubs are currently leading the Cincinnati Reds 2-0 in the first inning in their final game before the All-Star break.
Related: Cubs' perfect trade offer for Padres' Mason Miller
Related: 1 trade Cubs must not make at 2026 MLB trade deadline
