Cubs' Justin Steele (elbow) sidelined late in Tommy John recovery

Field Level Media|published: Tue 28th April, 21:57 2026

Apr 7, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Justin Steele (35) delivers against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Chicago Cubs left-hander Justin Steele has been shut down in his recovery from Tommy John surgery, manager Craig Counsell said Tuesday.

Steele, who last pitched for Chicago on April 7, 2025, was trending towards a return in late May or early June, but has now stopped throwing as he deals with a left elbow flexor strain.

He'll be re-evaluated in another month. It's not entirely clear how much longer that could delay Steele's return for a Cubs pitching staff that's already without right-hander Cade Horton due to Tommy John surgery.

This Tommy John surgery was the second of Steele's career. Now 30, he previously had the same procedure done when he was a prospect in Chicago's farm system.

Steele has been consistently effective for the Cubs when available. The 2023 All-Star who finished fifth in National League Cy Young Award voting that season has a 32-22 record and a 3.30 career ERA over 102 appearances (91 starts).

--Field Level Media

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