Latest Justin Steele injury update is a crippling blow for the Chicago Cubs

We warned Chicago Cubs fans to brace for bad news regarding Justin Steele's status, and on Sunday, the Cubs confirmed the news.

The Cubs announced that Steele will be undergoing season-ending surgery. Steele was placed on the IL with what the Cubs originally were calling left elbow tendonitis but after his imaging on Tuesday, Steele was seeking a second-opinion before the team revealed the diagnosis.

ESPN's Jeff Passan notes that it is not clear at this time if Steele is undergoing Tommy John surgery or a primary repair. Once the surgery is completed, the Cubs will likely provide an update on the type of surgery Steele had along with an initial recovery timeline.

Colin Rea is seemingly the first pitcher the Cubs are tasking with replacing Steele in their starting rotation. Rea will be making the start against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday despite previous rumors that it would be Jordan Wicks. Outside of Rea and Wicks, the Cubs have veteran Chris Flexen with the Iowa Cubs along with top pitching prospect Cade Horton. Javier Assad is also starting a minor-league rehab assignment with the Iowa Cubs this week.

Of all the Cubs internal options to replace Steele, Horton has the highest ceiling. However, with Horton returning after a shoulder injury derailed his development in 2024, the Cubs will likely prefer to be cautious with his elevation to the Major League level.

It may be too soon but Steele being out for the remainder of the season also is an indictment of the Cubs' front office approach during the offseason. Entering the offseason, the Cubs were believed to be in the market for a starting pitcher who can slot at the top of their rotation. Instead, the Cubs opted for Rea and Matthew Boyd.

The Cubs, assuming contention, were likely going to be in the market for a starting pitcher at the Trade Deadline in July. Now, that need is more urgent as the Cubs' rotation looks thin beyond Shota Imanaga, Boyd, and Jameson Taillon. Even with those three, that's not an encouraging postseason rotation.