The Chicago Cubs are set to get back some key pitchers for the stretch run. 

There are four pitchers currently building back up from injury who could be activated off the injured list within the next few weeks. All four pitchers could help a Cubs bullpen that has certainly had some struggles in the second half. 

These bullpen reinforcements are on the way. 

Justin Steele is working his way back from elbow surgery he underwent last season and a flexor strain that he suffered in the spring. However, all signs point to Steele contributing to the Cubs bullpen later this month. 

The southpaw has already appeared in two rehab assignment games. He allowed three runs (one earned run) with two strikeouts across 1 ⅔ innings on September 2 and threw two innings of one-run ball with one strikeout on September 6. Steele will need a few more outings before he will be activated. 

Edward Cabrera was placed on the 15-day injured list in mid-August due to a recurring blister issue. He is currently on a rehab assignment with the Iowa Cubs in hopes of helping Chicago’s bullpen in the final weeks. 

Although Cabrera hasn’t looked sharp in his two relief appearances in Iowa, it is a good sign that he has come out of both outings fully healthy. He gave up one run across one inning on September 1 and four runs across ⅔ of an inning on September 4. The Cubs will likely want to see at least one or two more bullpen appearances from him.  

There was very little hope that veteran Shelby Miller would pitch this season after undergoing elbow surgery late last season. But Miller is doing everything he can to pitch for this Cubs team in the final few weeks. 

The 35-year-old has made 11 appearances on his rehab assignment so far. He has a 9.35 ERA, 2.08 WHIP, and 16 strikeouts across 8 ⅔ innings. While the results haven’t been there for Miller so far, he is building up toward a return. He pitched in back-to-back games last week for the first time since his injury. 

Gavin Hollowell went on the injured list in late July due to shoulder inflammation. He missed the entire month of August, but started a rehab assignment with the Iowa Cubs over the weekend. 

Hollowell allowed one run across one inning on September 5 in his first rehab outing since his shoulder injury. He is expected to pitch again on Tuesday (September 8) and could potentially be activated off the IL in mid-September.