The Chicago Cubs received encouraging news over the weekend as one of their key pitchers reached a major rehabilitation milestone. After months of careful recovery, the pitcher has returned to throwing from a mound, marking a significant step toward rejoining the rotation for the 2026 season.
Cubs management and fans alike are optimistic about the development, as it signals that the pitcher’s elbow is responding well to treatment. This milestone moves the player from flat-ground throwing to a more structured buildup, testing both arm strength and confidence in preparation for game action.
The return to mound work is a crucial phase in any pitcher’s recovery, as it simulates real-game conditions while monitoring stress on the elbow. Coaches and medical staff are carefully tracking progress, ensuring that each session builds endurance, pitch mix consistency, and workload capacity without risking setbacks.
With the rotation already facing depth concerns, this development could provide the Cubs with a timely boost. Having a veteran arm back in the mix will give the team flexibility and stability as younger pitchers continue to gain experience and shoulder innings.
The pitcher in question, Justin Steele, spoke about his progress at CubsCon, describing the experience as both physically and mentally encouraging. “It felt great. Getting back on the mound felt like a return to normal, and now I’m ready to start building volume off the mound again,” Steele said, confirming that he is on track for a first-half return this season.
While
the Cubs do not expect him to be ready for Opening Day, the current pace of his recovery is promising. If the progress continues, Steele’s return could provide a much-needed lift to the rotation, giving the team an experienced option to complement younger arms and stabilize the pitching staff for the 2026 campaign.