Frequently Asked Questions
When did Justin Steele last pitch in a game before his rehab assignment?
Steele last pitched in a game on April 7, 2025, making his Triple-A rehab start with the Iowa Cubs on Wednesday nearly an 18-month layoff from game action.
What happened to Justin Steele in April 2025 that set back his comeback?
Steele suffered a flexor strain in April 2025 while working his way back from a revision repair in his left UCL, which caused the Cubs to immediately shut him down and pushed his return timeline well past the All-Star break.
How did Justin Steele perform in his first rehab appearance with the Iowa Cubs?
Steele threw 36 pitches over 1.2 innings, giving up four hits and one earned run while striking out two batters. The results were secondary to how he feels the day after the outing.
Will Justin Steele return to the Chicago Cubs rotation in 2026?
Jed Hoyer said there probably won't be enough time for Steele to build up to starter innings in 2026, so the Cubs are not developing him as a starting pitcher. If he returns, it would likely be as a multi-inning bullpen weapon.
What is Jed Hoyer's stance on Justin Steele coming back to the Cubs this season?
Hoyer said he is open-minded about Steele's return and that if Steele is in a place where he can genuinely help the big league team, he will be called up. If not, the priority is getting Steele healthy before the offseason.
Aldo Soto
With a journalism degree from Eastern Illinois University and a decade of Cubs reporting, my work has appeared on 670 The Score, ESPN 1000, and the Pinwheels and Ivy Podcast. I cover Cubs news and analysis for Sports Mockery, including roster moves, game breakdowns, and prospect development.
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