Chicago Cubs left-hander Justin Steele is moving into the next stage of his comeback as he works back from a left elbow flexor strain. The latest Cubs injury update puts the former All-Star on track for a potential late-season return. MLB.com's Cubs injury report, last updated on Sunday, noted that Steele threw a bullpen session at Wrigley Field before returning to Triple-A Iowa to continue his rehab assignment.

“LHP Justin Steele
Injury: Left elbow flexor strain
IL date: March 25 (60-day IL)
Expected return: Late in 2026 season
Status: Threw a bullpen session at Wrigley Field on Sept. 13, but will head back to Triple-A Iowa to continue his rehab assignment. Struck out three and allowed two runs in two innings (31 pitches) for Iowa on Sept. 10.”

The southpaw began his rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa on September 2, marking his first affiliated game action in roughly 17 months. Through three appearances, he has worked 5 2/3 innings while allowing six runs, four earned, on 10 hits. He has struck out six without issuing a walk.

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Manager Craig Counsell indicated Friday that Steele still needs additional game action before Chicago makes a roster decision. At least one more rehab appearance with Triple-A Iowa is expected before the Cubs determine his next step. The organization continues to monitor his workload and effectiveness as he works through the final stages of a lengthy rehabilitation process.

Steele underwent left elbow UCL revision surgery in April 2025 before suffering a flexor setback in late April 2026. He has not appeared in a major-league game since April 7, 2025.

The Cubs are not building Steele back up as a starter this late in the season. Instead, Chicago is evaluating whether the left-hander can contribute as a multi-inning reliever. His next opportunity could come during Iowa's road series against Omaha, which begins Tuesday.