Cubs Injury Update: Justin Steele optimism, Hunter Harvey setback, Riley martin

Suddenly, it feels like Justin Steele's return to the Chicago Cubs is closer than ever. Providing a wide-ranging injury update before their game against the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday, Craig Counsell confirmed that Steele is progressing to the next step of his recovery.

Steele had been throwing bullpen sessions in recent weeks, and Counsell confirmed that the 31-year-old will now be facing live hitters. As was the case with his bullpen sessions, the Cubs probably will draw out the process with Steele throwing live bullpen sessions. There likely will be multiple weeks of Steele doing so before he starts a minor-league rehab assignment.

Justin Steele's return to the Cubs suddenly feels like a real possibility

The door is certainly closed on Steele returning to the starting rotation this season. Though, it's important to note that Counsell's update on Wednesday was the first meaningful update the Cubs had on Steele in several weeks.

Steele's return should still be viewed as a bonus, but the Cubs would probably consider it a victory if he gets in any game action, regardless of it being in the minors or the majors. It's also worth stressing that even if Steele does return to the big-league club before October, there's no guarantee that he will be on the Cubs' postseason roster.

Hunter Harvey's comeback with the Cubs faces an outcome that was all too predictable

Just when it seemed that Hunter Harvey was going to defy the odds and return to the Cubs this season, that suddenly feels off the table. Included in his update on Wednesday, Counsell confirmed that Harvey's recovery is no long headed in the right direction.

The Cubs' experience with Harvey has been the experience most teams have had with the 31-year-old pitcher. There was nothing in his profile that suggested this was going to be the season that he miraculously stayed healthy.

Riley Martin's return this season ruled out, Cubs haven't ruled out surgery

Riley Martin was an early success story for the Cubs this season, posting a 2.16 ERA through his first eight career appearances, and striking out over 32% of the hitters he faced. That came to an abrupt halt when he suffered a flexor sprain at the end of April, and the has provided very little updates ever since.

Counsell confirmed that Martin has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2026 season, and the team may consider surgery if his recovery continues to be stunted. It's hard to be too surprised with this outcome, considering Martin hasn't really been mentioned since he first went on the IL. The hope is he is healthy in time for the start of the 2027, whenever that may be.

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