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Cubs’ Justin Steele Out for 2025 Season

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By John Martinello | Last updated Apr 13, 2025 7:22 PM ET

CHICAGO — In a major blow to their starting rotation, the Chicago Cubs will be without left-hander Justin Steele for the remainder of the 2025 season, the team announced on Sunday. Steele will undergo reconstructive elbow surgery to repair his left flexor tendon and address his UCL. Initially diagnosed as tendinitis, the injury ended what looked to be a promising campaign for the 2023 All-Star. Steele posted a 3-1 record and 4.76 ERA in four starts thus far in 2025.

LHP Justin Steele will undergo left elbow surgery and miss remainder of 2025 season, per Cubs manager Craig Counsell. pic.twitter.com/XKuzVCaUXp

— MLB (@MLB) April 13, 2025

“Justin’s a warrior, and this is a tough blow for us,” Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said. “We’re focused on his recovery and getting him back stronger.” Manager Craig Counsell added, “It’s unclear until the surgeon sees the UCL, but we’re preparing for any outcome.” Steele, 29, previously underwent Tommy John surgery in 2017, making this his second major elbow procedure.

Cubs Pitcher Justin Steele Will Require Elbow Surgery, Is Out for Season

Media Reactions

The news set a rumble across social media. “Awful for the Cubs, who were off to a great start,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan commented. The Chicago Tribune’s Meghan Montemurro noted, “Losing Steele dims a rotation that had postseason hopes.”

Chicago Cubs left-hander Justin Steele will undergo reconstructive elbow surgery and miss the remainder of the 2025 season. Unclear yet whether it’s a full Tommy John or primary repair, but his season is over regardless. Awful news for the Cubs, who are off to a great start.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) April 13, 2025

Who Will Step Up?

With Justin Steele out for the season, the Cubs’ rotation loses a valuable asset. In the short term, they will be turning to veteran right-hander Colin Rea , who gets the start for Sunday’s series finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers, with left-hander Jordan Wicks likely to join the rotation from Triple-A Iowa. Javier Assad, nearing a return from an oblique injury, could also bolster the staff. Despite the setback, the Cubs (9-6) remain optimistic, still under a month into the 2025 campaign, with plenty of time to adjust and make a run toward winning the NL Central.