Cubs Justin Steele breaks silence on latest setback

MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers at Chicago Cubs Mar 18, 2025; Bunkyo, Tokyo, JPN; Chicago Cubs pitcher Justin Steele (35) talks to media members before the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the Tokyo Series at Tokyo Dome. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Cubs Justin Steele breaks silence on latest setback

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Alex Patt | Last updated Apr 29, 2026 4:54 PM ET

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While Cubs fans collectively groaned Tuesday afternoon after hearing about Justin Steele’s rehab setback, nobody is more bummed than Steele himself. The lefty starter, who has not pitched since April 2025 due to UCL surgery, was shut down after being diagnosed with a flexor strain. Things were going well, and his rehab looked to be in great shape before he recently started feeling something.

A bit less than 24 hours after the news officially broke, Steele posted on Twitter (X) updating the situation:

Well; this is obviously frustrating on many levels. It’s hard to put into words the emotions and mental state that something like this can leave you in. Nor do I want to really.

I just know I have given 100% and have done everything that’s been asked of me and at the end of the…

— Justin Steele (@J_Steele21) April 29, 2026

Steele is down, but not defeated

While fans and reporters process the news, both Steele and Craig Counsell have sent out optimistic messages. Neither denies that the setback is very frustrating, but both acknowledge that it has not taken Steele down. Steele in his message expresses his belief in himself and how eager he is to get back out there. There is no structural damage to the repaired UCL, and this setback is not season-ending.

Counsell in an interview with 104.3 The Score on Tuesday said, “We didn’t get news that Justin’s out for the year. He’s got an opportunity to pitch for the Cubs this year. We’re planning on him pitching for the Cubs later this season.” Steele will be re-evaluated in a month, and he will not be back until after the All Star break.

All Steele and the Cubs can do is roll with the punches and keep their heads high. Counsell knows that the challenge going forward will be greater with his best arm unavailable for an extended period. Especially with how many injuries there already are on the team. Hopefully, he is back in the second half and pitching meaningful innings down the stretch.

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

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