Overview
- Tuesday the Cubs said Steele received relatively good news from Dr. Keith Meister and has moved into a strengthening program that will progress to plyo-ball work, but he remains weeks away from actual throwing.
- Manager Craig Counsell cautioned there is no definitive timetable and that Steele must clear sequential milestones—strength work, plyo balls, bullpens, simulated games and rehab starts—before rejoining the rotation.
- President Jed Hoyer expressed hope Steele could return before the end of the season while acknowledging the calendar could run out and that Steele wants to come back.
- Chicago’s rotation depth is strained: Matthew Boyd is nearing rehab starts at Triple-A Iowa, Edward Cabrera is progressing toward activation in early June, and top prospect Jaxon Wiggins has not yet ramped to game situations.
- The immediate consequence for the Cubs is roster pressure heading into the midseason window, which could force careful workload management for healthy arms or prompt the club to pursue external pitching help before the trade deadline.