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Justin Steele's Injury Update Leaves Cubs With Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated Feb 28, 2026 2:53 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs were spoiled by starting pitcher Justin Steele's production from 2022 to 2024, but they didn't make the playoffs over that span. Ironically, they then made it to Game 5 of the NL Division Series last season despite the southpaw missing almost the entire campaign due to elbow surgery.

The Cubs selected Steele in the fifth round of the 2014 MLB Draft and he made his MLB debut in 2021. The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder finished with a 4.26 ERA that season, but logged 3.18, 3.06, and 3.07 marks over the next three years, respectively.

Steele has been rehabbing since his surgery last spring, and he shared an update via his social media on Saturday.

"Last bullet from my bullpen yesterday. Got cleared by Dr. [Keith] Meister today," he said. "Good day for some reflection. Just wanna say thank you to everyone who’s helped me along this journey to getting back to 100%. Coaches, trainers, staff, family, and everything in between. You all know who you are and I truly appreciate you."

"Also wanna thank My Lord and Savior; Jesus Christ," he continued. "Without them; none of this would be possible. Jesus is the only way and always has been."

Last bullet from my bullpen yesterday. Got cleared by Dr. Meister today. Good day for some reflection. Just wanna say thank you to everyone who’s helped me along this journey to getting back to 100% . Coaches, trainers, staff, family, and everything in between. You all know who… pic.twitter.com/hK6BKmIvYQ
— Justin Steele (@J_Steele21) February 28, 2026

Who Will Justin Steele Replace in Cubs' Rotation?

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Justin Steele (35) Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

Once Steele fully ramps up, Chicago must decide how to fit him into the starting rotation. If it doesn't roll with a six-man group, it will have to replace one of Shota Imanaga, Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, Jameson Taillon, and Edward Cabrera.

Imanaga is the ace, so his job should be safe. Boyd and Horton were each reliable last year as well, as Boyd was 15th in baseball with a 3.21 ERA and 14th with a 1.09 WHIP, while Boyd had a 2.67 ERA in 23 outings. Taillon had a 3.68 ERA in 23 starts, and Cabrera had a 3.53 ERA in 26 starts for the Miami Marlins.

Given that all five players are coming off solid years, it’s best for the Cubs to evaluate how they all perform until Steele is ready. If one of them struggles in spring training and/or April, the answer will reveal itself.

Up next For Chicago is a spring training game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at 3:05 p.m. ET on Saturday. After that, it will face the Chicago White Sox on Sunday and Cincinnati Reds on Monday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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