Overview

• Justin Steele, one of the Chicago Cubs' top starting pitchers, will miss the rest of the 2025 season due to left elbow surgery, confirmed by manager Craig Counsell.
• Details of the surgery remain unclear, with speculation on whether it will be a full Tommy John procedure or a less invasive primary repair.
• Steele’s absence follows a standout performance on April 7, where he pitched seven shutout innings against the Texas Rangers, highlighting his importance to the team.
• The Cubs, currently leading the NL Central with a 10-7 record, are promoting long reliever Colin Rea to the rotation and exploring potential trade options to fill Steele’s void.
• The loss of Steele compounds pressure on the Cubs, who are also facing uncertainty about star outfielder Kyle Tucker’s future as he enters the final year of his contract.