Cubs Injury Update: Matthew Boyd faces important test, Justin Steele's next step

In an ideal world, the Chicago Cubs would have Matthew Boyd in their rotation and Justin Steele knocking on the door of making his 2026 season debut. That isn't how the season has unfolded for the Cubs, and injuries to the pitching staff have defined the season.

Boyd was originally set to make his return over the weekend against the San Francisco Giants, but suffered a setback last week. Boyd was recovering from meniscus surgery, but his return was pushed back due to "lingering soreness" in his left shoulder.

Craig Counsell revealed on Monday that Boyd will throw a bullpen session on Tuesday before the team makes a decision. It's worth noting that Boyd experienced the soreness after the last start of his previous rehab assignment and it was still lingering after a bullpen session last week. Given that reality, and it's not out of the question for Boyd to have another minor-league tune up before returning to the big-league rotation.

Boyd has only made five starts for the Cubs this season. Having him healthy would certainly go a long way toward the pitching staff become stable. He has an ERA of 6.00 on the season, but that doesn't tell the complete story. He's striking out 31% of the hitters he's faced this season, and his FIP is 2.35.

Justin Steele is back with the Cubs, just not the way he's needed.

The news continues to be encouraging for Justin Steele. As encouraging as it can be for a pitcher who suffered a setback that pushed back his return to the end of the season.

Counsell confirmed that Steele will be with the Cubs for the next three weeks as he continues his recovery. Steele has been throwing plyo balls and has one more week of that before progressing toward throwing an actual baseball. Steele will likely have several throwing sessions before the Cubs determine next steps.

It would seem that we're still about a month away from getting an update on Steele with substance. The 30-year-old does appear to be taking steps forward, but it's still a long way to go before his return is actually in sight. If all goes well, it would seem there's a chance that Steele is back in the rotation by September. Even then, it would seem likely that Steele would be working with some clear limits.

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