The Cubs are seeking a second opinion regarding Justin Steele’s left elbow injury, manager Craig Counsell shared on Friday.
“We’re dealing with the same issue we faced last year,” Counsell said, adding that both Steele and the team want to ensure they have the correct information going forward.
Steele, who was placed on the 15-day injured list on Wednesday with what the Cubs have diagnosed as tendinitis, had previously experienced similar issues in 2023. Last September, Steele dealt with elbow tightness but wasn’t sure when the discomfort began. Counsell noted that Steele had also felt the problem earlier in the year, with a similar issue arising in June 2023, when he missed a couple of weeks due to a forearm injury.
“We want to make sure we fully understand why this is happening again so that Justin can make informed decisions about his recovery,” Counsell explained. When asked about the possibility of Tommy John surgery, Counsell emphasized that no decisions had been made yet, as the team continues to gather information.
Steele had undergone Tommy John surgery in 2017 to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow. He had been performing well before landing on the IL, coming off his best start of the season against the Rangers, where he pitched seven scoreless innings.
As the Cubs consider how to cover for Steele in the upcoming games, Counsell suggested the team might opt for a bullpen day without any immediate roster moves. Left-hander Jordan Wicks, who recently made a start for Triple-A Iowa, could also be an option. The Cubs plan to finalize their strategy after the series opener against the Dodgers.
