When Justin Steele, a left‑handed pitcher for the Chicago Cubs learned that his season was over after an internal ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) repair in mid‑April 2025, he didn’t stay in the shadows. Instead, the 29‑year‑old from Lucedale, Mississippi, settled into a rehab routine in Phoenix while watching the Cubs’ postseason unfold on TV, grinning at every win. The drama matters because Chicago’s first playoff berth since 2020 – secured on October 9, 2025, with an 8‑4 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park – has turned a sidelined star into an unlikely morale booster for a franchise hungry for a championship.
Season‑ending surgery and early‑season performance
Steele entered the 2025 season with a modest but promising line: three wins, one loss, a 4.76 ERA, 21 strikeouts in 22.2 innings and a 1.15 WHIP. Those numbers came after a 2021 debut and a career stat line of 32‑22 with a 3.30 ERA over 102 games. The elbow issue surfaced in early April, and on April 15 the Cubs placed him on the 60‑day injured list, a move confirmed by Jed Hoyer, President of Baseball Operations for the Chicago Cubs.
The procedure differed from his 2017 Tommy John surgery; instead of a full ligament replacement, surgeons performed an internal UCL repair designed to shorten recovery time. The operation was carried out by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, an orthopedic surgeon at the Kerlan‑Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles.
Cubs clinch playoff spot and Steele’s reaction
On October 9, 2025, the Cubs clinched the National League Wild Card with that win in Pittsburgh, a moment Steele watched from his Arizona condo. In an interview with Marquee Sports Network on October 10, Steele said, “Just sitting here smiling at my TV.” The sentiment echoed a quiet confidence that many fans found oddly uplifting.
Later, during the Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres, Steele appeared on a two‑minute Marquee segment filmed at Wrigley Field. He described his rehab progress, noting, “It’s been going a lot smoother than the first go‑around. After five or six days I already had a full range of motion.” The quote was in sync with what pitching coach Tommy Hottovy had observed in recent practice sessions.
Rehab journey in Arizona
Steele’s day‑to‑day routine happens at the Cubs’ spring‑training complex in Mesa, Arizona, under the watchful eye of Director of Sports Medicine David Votta and rehab coordinator Ryan Bucchino. Sessions focus on strengthening the forearm, regaining full elbow extension and maintaining cardiovascular fitness – all while Steele makes a brief pilgrimage to Chicago every other homestand to visit teammates.
“Justin’s presence, even when he’s not physically on the field, provides tremendous energy for our clubhouse,” manager Craig Counsell said on October 8. The sentiment was echoed by veteran catcher Willson Contreras, who noted that Steele’s habit of shouting encouragement from the dugout during warm‑ups kept morale high.
Team’s postseason run and locker‑room impact
The Cubs rode the momentum from their Wild Card win into a hard‑fought National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, scheduled for October 15‑20. Though Steele can’t take the mound, his voice travels through the stadium’s PA system, offering “good luck” chants that fans have captured on social media.
Analysts point out that a healthy left‑hander like Steele would have been a key piece in a rotation that already features Kyle Hendricks and Adbert Alzolay. The loss of his arm, however, forced the Cubs to rely on bullpen depth, a factor that some critics argue could limit the club’s ability to go deep.
- April 15 – Steele placed on 60‑day IL.
- May 2 – First full range of motion post‑surgery.
- October 9 – Cubs clinch playoff spot.
- October 12 – Votta confirms Steele’s rehab steady at Mesa.
Recovery outlook and future prospects
Dr. ElAttrache estimates a 12‑14‑month recovery window for an internal UCL repair, meaning Steele could be ready for the start of the 2026 season, perhaps as early as June. The timeline aligns with the Cubs’ projected rebuild plan, which includes extending contracts for key free agents and adding depth through the draft.
If Steele returns on schedule, he’ll re‑enter a rotation that’s expected to lean heavily on analytics, a direction reinforced by the club’s recent partnership with Statcast to fine‑tune pitch sequencing. The upside is clear: a healthy left‑hander who can generate ground‑ball outs and keep hitters off‑balance would give Chicago a strategic edge in the competitive NL Central.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will Justin Steele’s injury affect the Cubs’ rotation this season?
Steele’s absence forces the Cubs to lean on veterans Kyle Hendricks and Adbert Alzolay, while expanding the bullpen’s role. The team has added spot‑starters from Triple‑A Iowa, but lacking a left‑handed starter could limit matchup flexibility, especially against right‑handed heavy lineups in the playoffs.
What is the difference between Steele’s internal UCL repair and a traditional Tommy John surgery?
The internal repair stitches the existing ligament without replacing it, aiming for a quicker rehab – roughly 12‑14 months versus the 18‑24 months typical of a full Tommy John reconstruction. This method preserves more of the original tissue, which can aid in regaining full strength.
When could fans expect to see Steele back on the mound?
According to Dr. ElAttrache, the earliest realistic return is June 2026, assuming no setbacks. The Cubs’ medical staff is monitoring his progress weekly, and the timeline aligns with the club’s broader offseason plan.
How has Steele’s presence in the clubhouse impacted the team during the playoffs?
Even from Arizona, Steele’s frequent video calls and on‑site visits every other homestand have kept morale high. Manager Craig Counsell says his enthusiasm “provides tremendous energy,” and teammates report that hearing his voice on the PA system adds a tangible boost during tense moments.
What does Steele’s rehab schedule look like on a typical day?
A typical day includes 90 minutes of physical therapy focusing on forearm strengthening, 45 minutes of cardio, and targeted range‑of‑motion drills supervised by Director of Sports Medicine David Votta. He also spends time reviewing game footage with pitching coach Tommy Hottovy via video conference.
