POSTERIOR · WIRE
InjuryCHCMay 28, 2026, 11:32 AM EDTConfidence 85%

Justin Steele's Return Timeline Pushed Back Again

The Cubs lefty suffered a flexor strain setback in late April, and his latest update shows he's still weeks away from even picking up a baseball.

Justin Steele, recovering from UCL surgery performed in April 2025, hit a new setback in late April 2026 when he suffered a flexor strain. Manager Craig Counsell had already ruled out a pre-All-Star return at that point. The latest update shows Steele has been cleared only to begin strengthening and plyo ball work, meaning he is still multiple weeks from throwing. Even in a best-case scenario, his return timeline appears to have been pushed further than previously anticipated.

02 / Adjacent

More on the Cubs wire.