The Cubs received an encouraging jolt this week as one of their most important arms took a meaningful step forward in his long and closely monitored recovery, offering a quiet but powerful reminder of what could still lie ahead for the pitching staff. A short video shared from the team’s Arizona complex showed the left-hander throwing off a mound, an action that might seem routine at first glance but carries major significance for a pitcher coming back from a serious injury. After months of rehab work, gradual throwing, and careful buildup, getting back on the mound represents a crucial milestone — one that signals growing strength, confidence, and trust in the recovery process. For a club balancing patience with urgency, the moment felt less like a casual update and more like a shift in tone, the kind of development that subtly reshapes expectations and fuels optimism about what the season could still become if progress continues on this path.
Inside the organization, Justin Steele is viewed as far more than just another pitcher navigating the final stages of a rehab assignment. His importance is rooted not only in past performance, but in what his presence represents for the overall structure and ceiling of the rotation. When healthy, he profiles as a true frontline starter, the kind of arm that can set a tone for an entire staff and stabilize a pitching plan over a long stretch of the season. Getting a pitcher of his caliber back — even if it comes later in the year — has the potential to reshape the rotation in much the same way a high-profile, midseason trade would, without the uncertainty or cost that often accompanies deadline deals.
The pitcher has been steadily ramping things up since resuming throwing late last year, and the recent mound work marked a significant milestone. By all indications, the rehab process has been smooth, with no setbacks slowing the timeline. There’s a growing sense that the foundation is being laid properly, even if no firm return date is being circled yet.
Team officials have remained careful and measured throughout the process. Opening Day has already been ruled out, and the focus continues to be on long-term health rather than rushing the calendar. Any comeback will likely come with workload considerations designed to keep the arm fresh and effective when it matters most.
That patient approach fits the bigger picture for a Cubs team with postseason ambitions. Rather than forcing an early return, the organization is prioritizing availability down the stretch, where one dependable, high-level arm can swing critical series and tighten margins.
When the injured ace does rejoin the rotation, he won’t simply be filling innings. He’ll be adding experience, confidence, and top-end ability to a staff already built to compete. For now, the Cubs can take comfort in steady progress — and the belief that a major reinforcement is moving closer to reality.