Craig Counsell shuts down wild Justin Steele rumor with latest Cubs injury update

There is a general level of annoyance whenever veteran Chicago Sports radio personality George Ofman cites sources when talking about the Chicago Cubs. Despite the Cubs having an entirely different front office structure, entirely new coaching staff, and Major League roster since the last time Ofman covered the team regularly, he still wants Cubs fans to believe he is knowledgeable Cubs' intel.

The latest level of hilarity from Ofman comes from Marquee Sports Network's Bruce Levine, who cited Ofman's sources by suggesting that Justin Steele may not return until September next season. That timeline quite literally doesn't match anything that has been reported since Steele underwent an elbow injury, and can immediately be disproved when you see the videos the Cubs' starting pitcher has been sharing this offseason.

Understanding that Steele likely won't be on the Cubs' Opening Day roster next season, the expectation is that he will be ready at some point during the first half of the season. Craig Counsell confirmed as much when speaking with reporters from the Winter Meetings.

Out-of-touch reporter is once again proven wrong with latest Chicago Cubs' injury update.

Maybe addressing Ofman and how often he is wrong is part of the problem, because he clearly loves the engagement it creates. But Cubs Twitter is already a wild place, and doesn't need an outdated reporter adding false claims to further the nonsense.

Ok, now that we've vented, the actual update from Counsell. If anything, the Cubs probably learned a lesson from the Miami Marlins last year, when they rushed Sandy Alcantara back from Tommy John surgery, and he struggled considerably for a large portion of the year. That wouldn't benefit the Cubs and their quest to return to the playoffs for a second consecutive season.

Again, Steele remains on track, and barring a setback, which certainly is possible but has yet to happen, it seems clear that he will be back before the All-Star break.

While we're on the subject, his recovery is why the Cubs should be motivated to add a frontline starting pitcher this offseason. Whether it's Tatsuya Imai or trading for an arm like MacKenzie Gore, the injury would allow the Cubs to slow-play Steele's return.

Sure, by the end of the 2026 season, Steele should be an important part of the rotation, but his impact doesn't need to be immediately felt in April.