Cubs’ Justin Steele Faces Uncertain Future After Elbow Injury

LOS ANGELES — The Chicago Cubs are grappling with uncertainty regarding All-Star pitcher Justin Steele, who is seeking a second medical opinion following an MRI that revealed issues with his left elbow. Just days after a promising start to the season, the Cubs now face a potential setback as they consider their path forward without their ace.

Steele, 29, remains indefinitely shut down as he navigates an injury diagnosis that echoes challenges faced last season. The team initially designated him with left elbow tendinitis, a detour that kept him off the field for almost three weeks in September 2024. Manager Craig Counsell emphasized the importance of gathering extensive information before making any decisions. “There are no decisions right now,” Counsell stated before Friday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. “Justin wants to get all the information. Until we do that, we need to wait and allow him to decide what’s next.”

The Cubs started the season strong with a 9-6 record, having played a series of competitive matchups, including games in Japan. They are currently on a West Coast trip, intending to solidify their postseason ambitions against formidable opponents like the Dodgers and Padres.

Over his four starts in the 2025 season, Steele has recorded a 4.76 ERA across 22 2/3 innings. He showed flashes of brilliance during a recent outing where he pitched seven scoreless innings against the Texas Rangers. However, he reported discomfort during the game, which led to his placement on the 15-day injured list. Initially, the Cubs hoped for a swift recovery, but the need for a second opinion has raised concerns about the severity of his condition. Speculation surrounding the possibility of Tommy John surgery looms.

“We obviously want to make sure we know why this has happened again,” Counsell remarked. “So that Justin’s got all the information, and then we can go from there.” The mention of a second Tommy John procedure only heightens the stakes, as Steele underwent his first on August 2017 after being drafted in the fifth round out of high school.

When asked about Steele’s potential for surgery, Counsell did not provide specifics but reiterated the team’s objective to obtain all relevant information to make an informed decision. Last season, despite suffering elbow issues, Steele returned to anchor the rotation. In the last three years, he has delivered a solid 3.10 ERA and achieved his first All-Star selection in 2023.

Cubs’ left-hander Matthew Boyd expressed the gravity of the situation, highlighting Steele’s unique talent. “Justin Steele’s one of a kind, right? You can’t replace him because he’s one of one. He’s really talented,” Boyd stated after their recent loss to the Dodgers. With Steele sidelined, the Cubs’ roster depth will be tested.

Currently, the team lacks a confirmed starter for their next game, although options such as Colin Rea or the highly-regarded Jordan Wicks — who was recently scratched from a start in Triple-A — are on the table. As the Cubs navigate this tumultuous period, the emphasis remains on a ‘next man up’ mentality. Boyd reassured fans about the team’s depth and experience: “We have a very, very talented rotation. We have guys that can step up and perform in those roles.”

As the Cubs wait for more information on Steele’s condition, uncertainty lingers over how this will impact their season. The outcome of Steele’s evaluations could become a defining point for the franchise’s 2025 campaign.