Cubs left-hander Justin Steele has had a ‘setback’
This is not good news.
Justin Steele throws a bullpen session in Mesa in February | | Getty Images Justin Steele had Tommy John surgery just about a year ago. So, most were hoping he could come back to the Cubs rotation sometime in late May or early June. That, apparently, will not be happening: As mentioned on ESPN 1000 a few minutes ago, Cubs pitcher Justin Steele has had a setback, per sources.
He's shutdown for the time being. Steele was recovering from elbow surgery and is eligble to come off the IL around Memorial Day. That could be in jeopardy.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) April 28, 2026 We don’t really know anything beyond this, yet. A “setback” could be a few days, or a few weeks, or longer, we just don’t know. “Shut down” could last… well, again, we don’t know.
It’s fortunate that the Cubs rotation, put together mostly by patchwork at this point, has been doing pretty well. Entering tonight’s game against the Padres, the Cubs starters have a 4. 18 ERA, which is middle of the pack (14th) among all teams, just behind the Rangers at 4.