​The Chicago Cubs are knee-deep in pitching concerns this season, grappling with a spate of injuries and underperforming options across both the starting rotation and the bullpen. As the trade deadline approaches and the club weighs its options for reinforcements, an internal return could provide a timely boost. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Cubs left-hander Justin Steele, who has spent the year on the injured list, is slated to begin throwing off a mound in August. If all goes well, this signals not just a potential bullpen contribution but a possible full return to the club later in the season, though it may not come in the rotation.
Nightengale reports that Steele, the Cubs’ ace who hasn’t pitched since April 7, 2025, is set to start mound work in the first week of August. Cubs manager Craig Counsell indicated that even if he progresses, it’s unlikely Steele would rejoin the rotation this season; instead, he would be deployed out of the bullpen in September. This update marks a significant step in Steele’s rehab from elbow-related issues and suggests a relatively rapid trajectory back to active duties, should the throwing program proceed without setbacks.
The timeline aligns with the season’s critical stretch, placing August as a pivotal month for Steele’s return. While September could be a more realistic window for a full bullpen contribution, the prospect of getting a healthy Steele back in the late-season mix is highly welcome for a Cubs club desperate for reliable arms. The left-hander has been sidelined for an extended period, and any progress toward a return—even in a bullpen role—could provide a substantial lift as the Cubs navigate a challenging pitching landscape.
August is also notable because it coincides with the MLB trade deadline, which falls on August 3. The Cubs have been seen as active participants in the market for bullpen and rotation depth, and adding a healthy Steele, even if limited to relief duties initially, would represent a meaningful upgrade. His 3.30 ERA before the injury underscores the potential impact he could have if he can recapture form and command after his time on the IL.
Steele’s path back to the mound is encouraging, and the news of his August mound work is exactly the sort of update Cubs fans have been waiting for. If everything aligns, the club could gain not just a bullpen boost but also an insurance policy for late-season stretch runs and a possible postseason push. The notion of Steele rejoining the roster—even intermittently—offers a glimmer of optimism for a team in need of dependable depth as they navigate the rest of the campaign. The coming weeks will determine whether Steele’s rehab progresses smoothly enough to allow him to contribute at the major league level in September, and possibly beyond, as the Cubs look to maximize their pitching staff in a season still fraught with uncertainty.