Chicago Cubs left-hander Justin Steele is making steady progress in his recovery from a left elbow injury that has sidelined him for over a year, though a definitive return date remains uncertain. Steele, who underwent season-ending surgery to repair his ulnar collateral ligament last year, has been cautiously advancing through his rehabilitation while mindful of a recent setback that occurred in April.

“I want to be back,” Steele said, emphasizing the shared desire among himself, the front office, pitching coaches, and the team. However, he stressed the importance of avoiding a premature comeback that could result in renewed soreness and setback. Steele has been rehabbing at the Cubs’ facilities in Mesa, Arizona, and Chicago, progressing to throwing approximately 20 pitches off the mound this weekend without experiencing pain. He reported that his full repertoire, including his fastball, sinker, slider, and curveball, feels sharp.

Steele last pitched in the major leagues on April 7, 2025, delivering seven innings in a win over the Texas Rangers. Although he initially appeared on track to return during the first half of the current season, he sustained a strained flexor muscle in April, delaying his comeback further.

Manager Craig Counsell noted that Steele is just now beginning to work from the mound again and described his recovery as positive so far. “He’s making progress. Everything’s going well,” Counsell said, underscoring the cautious optimism surrounding Steele’s rehabilitation.

Meanwhile, closer Daniel Palencia, who has been sidelined with inflammation in his right elbow since mid-June, is scheduled to throw live batting practice and is expected to soon begin a minor league rehab assignment. Counsell conveyed confidence in Palencia’s impending return, contrasting it with the continued uncertainty surrounding Steele due to the latter’s prolonged absence.

Utility player Matt Shaw, recovering from a sprained left hand, was also anticipated to resume hitting activities recently, further suggesting encouraging developments in the Cubs’ injury situation.

In other team news, left-hander Antoine Kelly made his major league debut with his hometown Cubs on Friday during a loss to the New York Yankees. Kelly, who attended Maine East High School, entered in the eighth inning with runners on base and two outs, striking out slugger Ben Rice to extinguish the threat. He pitched a scoreless ninth inning, allowing only a walk.

Kelly, 26, was recently recalled from Triple-A Iowa and had family and supporters in attendance. The Cubs acquired him from the Los Angeles Dodgers in June; he previously pitched in the Milwaukee Brewers organization under Counsell’s management. Kelly replaces right-hander Gavin Hollowell on the 15-day injured list due to inflammation in his right shoulder.

Additional notes from the game included the Cubs giving outfielder Seiya Suzuki a day off and the team failing to draw a walk for the third time this season.