Cubs Injury Update: Justin Steele's role, Phil Maton rehab assignment, Daniel Palencia

Craig Counsell provided an update on Justin Steele on Wednesday, and it felt like final confirmation that if Steele does make his return to the Chicago Cubs this season, it won't be as a starting pitcher.

Counsell revealed that Steele has progressed in his throwing program and will throw off a mound the first week of August. Given that timeline, it's been made clear that there's not enough time for Steele to ramp-up for regular role in the starting rotation.

Justin Steele remains on track, ticketed for late-season arrival to Cubs bullpen

Given the nature of Steele's recovery, already having experienced one setback, it's far from a certainty that he does make a return to the Cubs this season. That's certainly the best-case scenario, but it also should be viewed as a bonus, and not the expectation.

All that said, it is good news that Steele is progressing forward. If nothing else, having him in the bullpen could provide some stability to the pitching staff ahead of October. Of course, the expectation is the Cubs have an aggressive deadline.

Phil Maton begins minor-league rehab assignment, Cubs need him to be an X-factor

Phil Maton landed back on the IL with a knee issue, and it felt like it was another opportunity for the Cubs and Maton to figure out what has gone wrong during his first three months in Chicago. He's carrying a 6.08 ERA in 30 appearances, and not quite the version of the high-leverage relief pitcher the Cubs raced out to sign to a multi-year deal last offseason.

Maton started a minor-league rehab assignment on Wednesday, and flashed exactly what the Cubs need him to be upon his return.

While the Cubs have once again soared to 12 games above .500, the bullpen remains patched together. It likely will be addressed at the trade deadline, but more importantly, the Cubs need Maton to be a factor for the remainder of the season. Especially with the questions that have surrounded Daniel Palencia's availability this season.

Daniel Palencia's return timeline could push Cubs into closer market at the 2026 trade deadline

Craig Counsell also confirmed Daniel Palencia won't resume his throwing program until after the All-Star break. Palencia's has had an odd 2026 season. He sports a 2.70 ERA through just 19 appearances, but his underlying metrics, BABIP of .341 and 1.38 WHIP, suggests he's not as dominant as he looked last October and in the World Baseball Classic.

Like Maton, the Cubs need Palencia to be healthy and effective during the final two months of the season. That said, outside of their need in the rotation, it wouldn't be a complete surprise if the Cubs added an established closer at the deadline. At the very least, another high-leverage relief pitcher.

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