Ivy League Cubs

By: Jacob Zanolla

Justin Steele was placed on the Injured List at the beginning of September, making it his second stint on the IL this season. Steele injured his hamstring on Opening Day and missed a month, and now looks to miss at least three weeks near the end of the season with left elbow tendentious.

Steele has thrown 128 innings this season, the second most in his career. With the Cubs almost eliminated from postseason contention, there isn’t much of a need to bring Steele back. However, it seems like the Cubs still expect the southpaw to throw before the year is over.

The one argument for bringing Steele back is to get the arm some more work to try and get closer to his 2023 innings count, but even then the risk of injury when pitching for an eliminated team is too high. Multiple teams are already putting limits on their top starters pitch count wise, which needs to happen if Steele does in fact return for the home stand.

Steele would be on pace to start 2-3 more games on the season, so it’s not the end of the world if he is re-activated. However, the risk is not worth it. Pitching injuries are becoming way too common, and Steele will be an extremely valuable part of the 2025 team, there is absolutely zero reason they should risk his health to get us an extra win or two.

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