Jed Hoyer offered blunt Justin Steele assessment ahead of possible Cubs' return

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Justin Steele took another step forward in his recovery on Monday, resuming his throwing program after previously suffering a flexor strain that halted his ramp-up for a month. Reports over the weekend suggested that Steele would consider a return by August as a victory, but Jed Hoyer seemingly threw cold water on the idea.

Considering where Cubs are in their respective season, it goes without saying that time is running out for Steele to be at full strength by the end of the regular season. In other words, no matter what happens with Steele moving forward this season, he likely isn't going to be used regularly in the starting rotation once he makes his return. That likely won't come until the 2027 season, assuming Steele has no further setbacks.

Justin Steele won't be the savior for the Cubs' rotation this season

Hoyer joined The Mully and Haugh Show of The Score Chicago on Tuesday, and set some realistic expectations for Steele this season. The impression was that the Cubs are hopeful to get something out of Steele this season, but they aren't expecting it to be much.

"It's probably unrealistic to think he's going to be fully stretched out at any point," Hoyer says. "If he does help us, I think it's going to be in shorter bursts."

As much as Steele may be hopeful for a return in August, that could be a premature timeline. The 30-year-old will likely have several weeks of throwing before starting a minor-league rehab assignment. Considering Steele hasn't pitched in a game of consequence since April of last season, the rehab assignment is going to be lengthy. Ideally, if Steele is back by September, that feels like the more reachable goal.

Even then, for a Cubs team that has a need in the starting rotation, Steele's return won't check that box. The assumption is that the Cubs will probably use an opener for Steele's "starts", assuming they don't use him out of the bullpen.

While Steele isn't exactly viewed as a consequential piece to the Cubs' 2026 puzzle, his return by the end of the season is still important. At the very least, the Cubs need Steele healthy heading into the offseason. That would give him an offseason with his normal throwing regimen, and one that slots him for a full-time return to the rotation in 2027. Something that will be needed, considering Cade Horton's status, and that reality that Jameson Taillon, Shota Imanaga, and Matthew Boyd are all free agents.

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