One in all baseball’s greatest groups simply misplaced a serious piece to its 2025 puzzle.
The NL Central-leading Chicago Cubs suffered a tricky blow with ace lefty Justin Steele needing season-ending Tommy John surgical procedure, the staff introduced Sunday.
Steele was initially anticipated to overlook just some weeks after experiencing tendinitis for the third time since final yr, however the Cubs opted for imaging to shed extra mild on the persistent harm.
The 29-year-old beforehand underwent Tommy John surgical procedure in 2017, per ESPN, and it’s unclear if he’ll want the ligament changed or a revision surgical procedure.
Both manner, Steele’s 2025 season is over and his 2026 will probably be affected because of the prolonged rehab course of.
“He’s got a great attitude about it, as he always does, and knows that it’s kind of part of the career that he’s chosen,” Cubs supervisor Craig Counsell advised reporters. “And just take it a step at a time and do the best he can to come back even better.”
The lefty ends 2025 with a 3-1 document to associate with a 4.76 ERA after posting a career-best 3.06 ERA in 2023 and following with a 3.07 ERA final season.
Steele completed fifth in NL Younger voting in 2023.
The Cubs, who’re off to an 11-7 begin, will now absolutely be available in the market for a beginning pitcher, with Miami’s Sandy Alcantara anticipated to be the highest pitcher out there this season.
For now, the Cubs will lean extra on Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, Matthew Boyd and Ben Brown, with Colin Rea entering into the rotation and beginning his first recreation Sunday in opposition to the Dodgers.
The North Siders have an early two-game lead forward of the Reds and Brewers within the NL Central.
