Chicago Cubs Face Major Setback as Justin Steele Lands on Injured List
From a promising start to a sudden stumbling block, the Chicago Cubs have hit a rough patch just when the season’s stakes are climbing. Their reliable left-handed starting pitcher, Justin Steele, has been sidelined with an injury following a stellar performance. After throwing seven scoreless innings against the Texas Rangers on Monday, Steele reported discomfort in his elbow—a development that could not have come at a worse time for the team.
On April 9, 2025, it was officially announced that Steele had been placed on the 15-day injured list due to left elbow tendonitis. This news sent shockwaves through the fanbase, as Steele has been a central figure in the Cubs’ rotation. In his absence, the Cubs have recalled right-handed relief pitcher Ethan Roberts to bolster their pitching staff.
During Monday’s game, Steele delivered his best outing of the season—striking out eight batters and keeping the scoreboard clean through seven innings. Despite feeling tightness in his elbow during the game, Steele initially believed it would pass. However, the discomfort lingered into the following day, prompting medical evaluation and the decision to sideline him.
The Cubs have placed Justin Steele on 15-day IL with left elbow tendonitis, per @MLBBruceLevine. pic.twitter.com/4Zr4OjkkG7
— Cubs Zone (@CubsZone) April 9, 2025
This injury is not new territory for Steele, who dealt with a similar elbow issue last season. In his post-game comments, Steele acknowledged the recurrence, stating that the sensation felt familiar. Cubs manager Craig Counsell later confirmed that the injury mirrors what Steele experienced previously, indicating that the problem may not have fully healed. An MRI is scheduled for Thursday, which will give the team a clearer picture of the situation.
Elbow tendonitis typically arises from repetitive strain—common among pitchers who consistently throw at high velocity. Although Steele’s estimated return date is April 24, a Cubs day off, his availability for the following day’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies remains uncertain. The team hopes that this injury is only a temporary hurdle.
The news has stirred mixed emotions among Cubs fans. While many are sympathetic and wish Steele a fast recovery, others are concerned about his long-term reliability. Some fans have gone as far as to question the effectiveness of Steele’s training regimen and the team’s medical oversight. One fan criticized the situation, asking why proper prevention methods weren’t already in place given Steele’s previous injury.
Concerns are growing that this may not be an isolated incident, but rather a pattern that could affect Steele’s future with the team. Another fan lamented the injury’s impact on the team’s season so far, reflecting the growing frustration with the number of injuries the Cubs have already faced.
Still, not all reactions have been negative. Some supporters remain hopeful, expressing confidence that Steele won’t be out for long and that the team can manage in his absence. Others, however, were less forgiving, bluntly labeling Steele as “injury-prone” or even “made of glass”—a harsh but telling sign of rising tension among fans.
Overall, while there’s a great deal of uncertainty about what lies ahead, one thing is clear: Justin Steele’s absence is a serious blow to the Cubs’ rotation. As the team navigates a crucial stretch of the season, all eyes will be on how the remaining pitchers respond—and whether Steele can make a strong and healthy comeback.