Justin Steele Posts Solid Line In Latest Rehab Outing

Chicago Cubs pitcher Justin Steele continues to progress toward a return later this month. 

Steele recently began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa less than two weeks ago. He allowed three runs (one earned run) with two strikeouts across 1 ⅔ innings against Triple-A Columbus in his first rehab outing, and then threw two innings of one-run ball in his second outing. 

While the southpaw continues to shake off some rust following a 17-month layoff, it’s an encouraging sign to see Steele back on the mound. He’s getting the reps in and has exited every outing fully healthy. 

The Cubs have sent Steele out on the mound every fourth day since beginning his rehab assignment earlier this month. He pitched on September 2 against Columbus, September 6 against Columbus, and threw once again on September 10 against Triple-A Toledo. 

Steele’s recent rehab outing for the Iowa Cubs was a bit different than his first two. After starting for the Triple-A club in his first two rehab appearances, the left-hander came out of the bullpen in Thursday’s game. 

Steele was called upon in the fifth inning of that game, but he quickly got himself into some trouble. He got the first batter of the inning to fly out before allowing a single, a triple, and another single to force in two runs. The former All-Star eventually got out of it by striking out Corey Julks on a nasty backdoor slider and a flyout to end the inning. 

The sixth inning was a bit better for Steele. He struck out Carlos Perez on an inside slider to kick off the frame and ended the inning with another strikeout on his slider. In between those strikeouts were a hit by pitch and a single. 

Overall, it wasn’t a bad outing for Steele. He allowed two runs on four hits with three strikeouts across two innings. While he did give up four hits in this contest, only one of those hits was characterized as a “hard-hit ball.” 

The Cubs will obviously be extra cautious with Steele as he works his way back from last year’s elbow injury and this year’s flexor strain. However, the 31-year-old left-hander should be promoted to the big-league roster within the next few weeks. 

Getting any meaningful innings out of Steele this year is obviously great news. A few months ago, it looked like his 2026 season was over after he suffered a setback. Now, he’s gearing up for a return in mid-to-late September.