Cubs' Justin Steele won't return as starter in 2026, but could boost Iowa Cubs bullpen

Chicago Cubs left-hander Justin Steele will not return as a starter this season, but he could still make an impact out of the bullpen — and that path runs through Des Moines.

Steele, who has been sidelined since late April with a flexor strain, received clearance from Dr. Keith Meister on Monday to continue his throwing progression. Meister performed Steele's elbow surgery in April 2025. The next major milestone: Steele is scheduled to throw off a mound for the first time in early August.

Given the lengthy recovery timeline, Cubs manager Craig Counsell acknowledged that stretching Steele out as a starter is simply not realistic for 2026.

“The schedule is very tight with Justin, and it doesn’t leave (room) for a lot of things to happen, there’s no question about it,” Counsell said.

If all goes well, Steele could become a valuable reliever for the Cubs in late September — and potentially into the playoffs. That means Iowa Cubs fans might see him on a rehab assignment at Principal Park before he returns to Chicago.

What does this mean for Iowa Cubs fans?

For Triple-A Iowa Cubs supporters, Steele's recovery path is worth watching. Any rehab assignment would likely send him to Des Moines for several appearances. That would give local fans a rare chance to see a major league starter-turned-reliever up close before he heads back to Wrigley Field.

Steele last pitched in a big league game on April 7, 2025. He has not faced live hitters in a competitive setting since.

Other Iowa Cubs bullpen news: Phil Maton nearing return

The Cubs' bullpen is getting healthier, and one key piece is already working his way back through Iowa.

Right-hander Phil Maton, sidelined with right knee tendinitis, made a rehab appearance with the Iowa Cubs on Wednesday. He threw 1 2/3 shutout innings, allowing no hits and no walks while striking out three batters. Maton is expected to pitch in one more rehab outing before the All-Star break and could be activated shortly after the second half begins.

That's good news for Cubs fans who remember Maton's reliable middle-relief work earlier this season.

Other injured Cubs relievers: mixed results

Not all the news is positive. Right-hander Hunter Harvey, 31, has appeared in just four games this season due to right triceps inflammation. He remains on a throwing program at the Cubs' complex in Mesa, Arizona, but it is unclear whether he will pitch again for the Cubs this season.

“He’s missed a lot of time, so I think the concern is real,” Counsell said. “We haven’t been able to just start something and keep going.”

Left-hander Riley Martin, also dealing with a flexor strain, is continuing his throwing progression in Arizona and is trending toward a return in late August.

Right-hander Ethan Roberts, out with right forearm inflammation, threw a bullpen session Wednesday. The Cubs want to see how he recovers before deciding on the next step. If all goes well, Roberts could start a rehab assignment soon — possibly with the Iowa Cubs.

Bottom line for Iowa baseball fans

The Cubs are betting on a deep playoff run, and getting healthy arms back — even if not as starters — is critical. For Iowa Cubs fans, the next few weeks could bring some familiar faces to Des Moines on rehab assignments. Steele, Maton, and possibly Roberts could all pass through Principal Park before returning to Chicago.

That's a silver lining for local baseball fans who want to see big league talent up close.