​BALTIMORE — Left-hander Justin Steele is taking the next step in his return to the Chicago Cubs this season, but the timing of his remaining throwing progression is likely to prevent him from returning as a starter in 2026. Steele has been sidelined by a flexor strain since late April. He traveled to Texas on Monday to visit Dr. Keith Meister for a follow-up examination to confirm he could continue advancing his throwing progression. Meister, who performed Steele’s elbow surgery in April 2025, gave the green light for him to move forward.
Steele is scheduled to begin throwing off a mound the first week of August, Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Wednesday. However, given how many steps remain before he can come off the injured list—including multiple bullpens, live batting practice, and a rehab assignment—Counsell acknowledged that stretching out as a starter is not realistic within the current calendar. “The schedule is very tight with Justin, and it doesn’t leave (room) for a lot of things to happen; there’s no question about it,” Counsell said.
If everything goes smoothly in the coming weeks, the lefty could become a valuable late-season reliever for the Cubs, potentially contributing in September and, they hope, into the playoffs. There are still many unknowns about what relief duties for a pitcher who hasn’t appeared in a major league game since April 7, 2025, might look like. The Cubs anticipate that their bullpen will receive a boost in the near future as more pitchers return to health.
On the other hand, right-hander Hunter Harvey is not moving in the same direction. Harvey, 31, has appeared in only four games due to right triceps inflammation that has sidelined him since April 9. He remains on a throwing program at the team’s complex in Mesa, Arizona, but it’s unclear whether he will be able to pitch again for the Cubs this season. “He’s missed a lot of time, so I think the concern is real,” Counsell said. “We haven’t been able to just start something and keep going. So at some point we’re just going to have to do that and see where that gets us, and that’s kind of what we’re doing right now.”
The Cubs are seeing some positive developments among their other injured relievers. Right-hander Phil Maton (right knee tendinitis) is nearing a return after making a rehab appearance with Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday. Maton threw 1 2/3 shutout innings, didn’t allow a hit or walk, and struck out three. He’s expected to pitch in one more rehab outing before the All-Star break and would likely be activated shortly after the second half begins.
Left-hander Riley Martin (flexor strain) is continuing his throwing progression in Arizona and is trending toward a late-August return. Ethan Roberts’ right forearm inflammation has improved enough to warrant a bullpen session on Wednesday. The Cubs want to ensure he fully recovers, but for now, the expectation is for better results as he progresses.