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After a 3-3 West Coast trip, the Chicago Cubs return to Wrigley Field on Friday to open a three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
As the Cubs are still mapping out life without Justin Steele this season, veteran Colin Rea will get the nod on Friday afternoon.
#Cubs pitching probables against the Diamondbacks:
— Taylor McGregor (@Taylor_McGregor) April 17, 2025
RHP Colin Rea
RHP Ben Brown
RHP Jameson Taillon
It seems that the Cubs will be moving forward with Rea as the first option to replace Steele in the rotation. The good news is that Javier Assad looked good in his first minor-league rehab assignment and likely will find his way back to the Major League pitching staff within the next couple of weeks.
Chicago Cubs News: Jordan Wicks recalled from Triple-A Iowa
Beyond Assad, the Cubs have recalled Jordan Wicks from Triple-A ahead of Friday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. After struggling with his command in his outing against the San Diego Padres, Luke Little was optioned to Triple-A.
The Cubs are calling up Jordan Wicks, source confirms. @mitch_santini was on it 🫡
— Jacob Zanolla (@jacobzanolla) April 18, 2025
The Cubs have been cautious with Wicks' usage in Triple-A over the last week, signaling that his return to the Major League level was imminent. With Rea presumably remaining in the starting rotation, Wicks likely will be used as the swingman in the bullpen.
Chicago Cubs News: Justin Steele confirms surgery on Friday
Justin Steele provided an update to Cubs fans on Friday, confirming that he will be undergoing surgery today. In his post on social media, Steele vowed to come back stronger than ever.
Surgery today. Just wanted to take some time to say thank you to everyone who has sent their thoughts and prayers. Truly means the world to me at the number of people who have reached out to my family and me. It’s appreciated beyond belief. I’ll be back soon and better than ever.
— Justin Steele (@J_Steele21) April 18, 2025
The Cubs haven't confirmed the type of surgery Steele will be having but the consensus is that it is Tommy John. Once the surgery is completed, the Cubs will likely provide an update that provides more details. Steele will miss the remainder of the 2025 season and depending on the recovery, may miss the start of the 2026 season.
While the Cubs are currently moving forward with internal options, the expectation remains that they will eventually look to the trade market to bolster their starting rotation.
Chicago Cubs News: Caleb Kilian returns on a minor-league deal
Seemingly unable to find a better opportunity elsewhere, former top pitching prospect Caleb Kilian has returned to the Cubs on a minor-league deal.
The Cubs have signed Caleb Kilian to a minor-league deal. Kilian was recently designated for assignment for the Cubs and released.
— Tommy Birch (@TommyBirch) April 17, 2025
The hard-throwing RHP was first acquired by the Cubs in the Kris Bryant deal and was once the organization’s top pitching prospects.
After being designated for assignment by the Cubs last week, Kilian was released over the weekend. It's worth noting that Kilian was on the IL at the time of the move last week, so chances are other teams shied away given the injury. Given the depth that the Cubs have, it remains difficult to envision a scenario where Kilian finds his way back to the Major League team this season. Never say never, but the Cubs have a pretty clear idea of who Kilian is and how he projects. That projection doesn't fit for a team contending this season.