Cubs News: Team could get multiple arms back from the IL before the season ends

Despite a blowout win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday night, time is running out for the Chicago Cubs. The team entered Tuesday 8 1/2 back of the Brewers in the division and five out of the final wild-card spot in the National League.

Knowing that - the latest Cubs injury updates are viewed differently, more focused on 2025 than the final weeks of the 2024 campaign. Still, it's been nothing but good news when it comes to a crop of injured Cubs pitchers, with several of them on pace to potentially return this year.

The big name on the list, Justin Steele, came out of playing catch over the weekend feeling good and is traveling with the Cubs on this road trip so he can continue throwing. This is the one guy Chicago will undoubtedly take their time with because he's an integral part of the team's plans not only in 2025, but beyond.

The left-hander overcame an early-season injury to back up his breakout 2023 effort, working to a 3.09 ERA in 22 starts this year. Elbow soreness forced him back to the IL earlier this month but, again, the focus here will be on 2025.

In the bullpen, Hayden Wesneski and Julian Merryweather are both drawing closer to a return, as well. Wesneski is already with Triple-A Iowa on a rehab assignment and will get stretched out a bit more before returning to the big league team. Merryweather threw a bullpen over the weekend and could soon join Wesneski at Iowa for a rehab assignment of his own.

Craig Counsell also expects Jorge Lopez to be ready to go once his IL stint ends, which could give him one of his most trusted relievers for the final weeks of the season. Lopez has been brilliant since coming to the Cubs, working to a sub-3.00 ERA before being sidelined by a groin injury in early September.