The Chicago Cubs received an encouraging injury update Monday on Justin Steele, giving their rotation another reason to monitor his recovery as the club tries to protect its playoff position.

Steele has been working through a long comeback from elbow surgery after suffering flexor tendon and UCL damage in April 2025. The 2023 All-Star has not yet returned to full health, and his progress was interrupted again this spring when a flexor strain forced the organization to pause his throwing program.

The New York Post’s Jon Heyman shared the update on X, formerly Twitter, as the southpaw resumed throwing following the setback.

“Cubs talented lefty Justin Steele threw today for the first time since his setback a month ago. The Cubs are cautious regarding any timetable but are hoping for a return in the second half. Steele, an All-Star in 2023, had elbow surgery 14 months ago.”

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The session does not mean Steele is close to rejoining Chicago, but it gives the Cubs a positive step at an important point in the season. As of Monday, Chicago sat third in the National League Central at 40-37, seven games behind the Milwaukee Brewers and two behind the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cubs also currently hold the third National League wild card spot, only a half-game ahead of the San Diego Padres, Miami Marlins, and Washington Nationals.

That makes Steele’s progress worth watching, even with no firm timeline attached. When healthy, he has been one of the club's most reliable starters. He emerged as a rotation anchor during his 2023 All-Star season and followed with a 3.07 ERA across 24 starts in 2024.

A successful return would give the Cubs an internal rotation lift during a postseason push. For now, Monday’s throwing session represents progress, while his next steps will determine whether a second-half return is realistic as the schedule quickly moves toward July.