A Devastating Blow to the Cubs

The Chicago Cubs are facing a major setback as pitcher Justin Steele is set to undergo season-ending flexor tendon surgery, a decision announced by manager Craig Counsell on Sunday. Steele had previously landed on the 15-day injured list due to elbow tendinitis, marking a crucial moment in a season that began with promise as the team surged to a 10-7 record amid a tough schedule.

From Hope to Heartbreak

Originally, the Cubs' pitching rotation was a beacon of strength, spearheaded by Steele and Shota Imanaga. However, Steele's absence now leaves a significant void that the team must scramble to fill. Drafted in the fifth round of 2014, Steele's journey has been anything but smooth, having undergone Tommy John surgery in 2017. Yet he defied the odds, emerging as a stalwart for the Cubs after years of uncertainty in their pitching strategy.

Steele's Rise to Prominence

After climbing through the minor leagues, Steele made his Major League debut in 2021, notching a 4.26 ERA over 20 games. The 2022 season showcased his talent further, as he posted a 3.18 ERA over 24 starts, despite missing the end of the year due to a back injury. His breakout moment came in 2024 when he achieved a superb 16-5 record, a 3.06 ERA, and even earned his first All-Star selection, finishing fifth in the National League Cy Young voting.

Injury After Injury

But injuries have plagued him. A hamstring strain on Opening Day 2024 sidelined him for much of April, and a bout of elbow tendinitis earlier this season echoed past struggles. Steele himself felt it was similar to previous issues, stating, "Now we’ll be able to figure out exactly what it is and attack it." After an MRI led the Cubs to seek a second opinion, the disappointing news about his surgery came just days later.

Steele's Last Stellar Performance

Ironically, Steele's last outing was his best of the season—seven shutout innings, eight strikeouts, and only three hits allowed against the Rangers. His performance was a reminder of the caliber of player the Cubs are losing.

Who Will Step Up?

With Steele out, the team is likely to turn to Colin Rea, who signed a one-year deal this offseason and has been solid with 5.1 scoreless innings so far. He is set to start in Sunday’s series finale against the Dodgers. Meanwhile, Javier Assad is making strides in his rehab and could return soon, and Jordan Wicks is another option as the Cubs seek to navigate this turbulent period.

The Road Ahead for the Cubs

As the Cubs forge ahead, they will need to find a way to rally without one of their star pitchers. The coming weeks will determine if the team can maintain their momentum in a tightly contested season.