Justin Steele sends message to Cubs fans before surgery
Justin Steele will undergo season-ending surgery on his left elbow today, the left-hander announced on his social media.
The Chicago Cubs ace took to social media on Friday morning, thanking fans for their well wishes and support since the news of his season-ending surgery was announced:
“Surgery today. Just wanted to take some time to say thank you to everyone who has sent their thoughts and prayers. Truly means the world to me at the number of people who have reached out to my family and me. It’s appreciated beyond belief. I’ll be back soon and better than ever.”
Steele was originally placed on the 15-day IL with left elbow tendinitis on April 9. That came just two days after Steele delivered his best start of the 2025 season, throwing seven shutout innings while striking out eight against the Texas Rangers.
The left-hander has been a mainstay in the Cubs rotation for the last three-plus seasons, making at least 24 starts from 2022 to 2024. Since 2022, Steele’s 3.18 ERA is fifth best in MLB among pitchers to make at least 80 starts.
Steele’s teammates shared how the injury will impact the team moving forward.
“(We) obviously lose a great competitor.” Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson told ESPN’s Buster Olney on Sunday. “A guy that’s been a staple in our rotation the last few years … We’ll be looking forward to getting him back next year.”
“Justin Steele’s one of a kind, right?” Matthew Boyd told the media on Friday evening in Los Angeles. “Regardless of whatever the time that he’s out, whatever that may be, you can’t replace Justin Steele because he’s one of one. He’s really talented.”
“It’s tough losing a guy like (Justin Steele).” Cubs closer Ryan Pressly told Taylor McGregor on Monday.
Right-hander Colin Rea will take Steele’s spot in the rotation in the interim. Rea filled in for Steele on Sunday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, tossing 3.2 innings allowing one earned run with five strikeouts. The 34-year-old has made 77 career starts over parts of seven major-league seasons.
Rea will get the ball on Friday for the Cubs as they square off with the Arizona Diamondbacks at Wrigley Field. Catch all the action starting at 12 p.m. with Cubs Live!
UPDATE: Justin Steele posted this picture to his X account late Friday morning.