Chicago Cubs star pitcher has setback in recovery

Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Chicago Cubs star pitcher has setback in recovery

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Vincent Pensabene | Last updated Apr 29, 2026 9:28 AM ET

The Chicago Cubs have been dealing with an inordinate amount of injuries to the pitching staff this season. While they have aspirations of being contenders for the World Series, the early injury bug is giving some concerns. However, they have been able to overcome the rash of injuries and sit atop of the NL Central. They have been hoping that one of the pitchers was getting ready to return soon, but there has been a setback in his recovery. Let’s take a closer look at who it is and what happened.

Justin Steele suffers setback as he attempts to make 2026 Chicago Cubs debut

Mar 19, 2025; Bunkyo, Tokyo, JPN; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Justin Steele (35) reacts after giving up a home run against Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Enrique Hernández (8) (not pictured) in the fourth inning during the Tokyo Series at Tokyo Dome. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The Cubs are hoping that their rotation can get stronger with left-hander Justin Steele returning, but it appears there has been a setback. Cubs manager Craig Counsell would go on 104.3 The Score and announce that Steele suffered a flexor strain and would be re-evaluated in one month.

“It’s a setback, there’s no question about it. It’s going to lengthen his return to play.”

ESPN’s Jesse Rogers first reported that he was shut down and Marquee Network MLB analyst Rick Sutcliffe reported it while on the Waddle and Silvy Show on ESPN 1000. Steele has been recovering from elbow surgery he underwent on April 18, 2025. He was officially placed on the 60-day Injured List ahead of the 2026 season and was eligible to return close to Memorial Day. This necessarily doesn’t mean he cannot return then, but puts that in serious jeopardy.

Chicago’s rotation has been thinned quickly this season once Cade Horton underwent UCL surgery earlier this month. The Cubs are hopeful for Steele’s return as their rotation currently looks like:

Shota Imanaga
Matthew Boyd
Edward Cabrera
Jameson Taillon
Colin Rea

The 30-year-old All-Star pitcher has gone 32-22 with a 3.30 ERA in 102 career games (91 starts). It will be intriguing to see when he is able to get back on the mound.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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