Cubs Receive Worst Possible News On Justin Steele
After a flexor strain derailed his recovery, Justin Steele could shift to a new role in 2026.
Video Transcript
What is up, Cubs fans?
And welcome back to Cubs Roundtable.
I'm Joey Polizzi, talking about all things Cubs.
And it's looking like a lost year for Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Justin Steele.
He began the year on the 60-day injured list as he was recovering from elbow surgery that he got last year, but he was expected to return around late May/early June.
That was encouraging.
Cubs were gonna get back their All-Star pitcher first half of the season.
Then Steele suffered a flexor strain in his left forearm, which sidelined him from throwing and put his 2026 season in jeopardy.
Although Steele has thrown for the first time on Monday, Jed Hoyer announced on 104.3 The Score that Steele will not start any games for the Cubs this season.
It was always an uphill battle for Steele to make an impact as a starter this season.
Obviously, coming off that elbow surgery last year, the flexor strain, was shut down from throwing for almost two months, and now has to build back up as a starter, build up, face hitters, live hitters, go on rehab assignments and all that.
And it puts him in a rough spot, and it's expected now that Steele is not gonna start any games for the Cubs this season.
Obviously, a big loss for the Cubs, does hurt the Cubs a bit because Steele has been one of the Cubs' most consistent pitchers when he's been healthy and on the mound, a career 3.30 ERA.
Although Hoyer, you know, has not ruled out Steele contributing in the bullpen later in the season, this is looking like a lost year.
And it's not even a guarantee either with Steele.
The Cubs could just decide to keep him out through the 2026 season and get him fully healthy and right for the 2027 campaign.
So some, some bad news here for the Cubs that Steele will not be starting any games for the Cubs in 2026.
But let me know what you guys think about this news and what the Cubs should do with Steele.
Do you want him in the bullpen in September, or would you rather them just keep him out through the 2026 season into 2027?
Let me know down below.
And as always, guys, go Cubs go.
