The Chicago Cubs find themselves in hot water once again, with growing speculation about the team’s handling of injured players. This time, it’s the recent injury setback involving ace pitcher Justin Steele that has raised eyebrows. Fans, analysts, and even former players are beginning to question whether the Cubs’ medical and management teams are making the best decisions when it comes to injury prevention, diagnosis, and recovery.
Steele, who has been a cornerstone of the Cubs’ rotation, was battling discomfort in his elbow for weeks before the team finally revealed that he would need season-ending surgery. What has left many puzzled is the delay in the announcement. Steele’s struggles had been visible to fans and analysts long before the Cubs officially acknowledged the injury, leaving people wondering whether the team could have caught it earlier or handled it differently to avoid a complete shutdown for the rest of the season.
This is not the first time the Cubs have faced such scrutiny. Over the years, there have been other instances where key players have been rushed back from injury or seemingly not given enough time to fully recover, leading to recurring issues. The Cubs’ injury history, coupled with inconsistent medical updates, has led to growing concern from the fanbase.
Take the case of another Cubs pitcher, who, after suffering an early-season setback last year, was cleared to return to action too quickly, resulting in an extended absence later in the season. This has cast a shadow of doubt on the Cubs’ approach to handling injuries, with some speculating that the front office might be more focused on winning now rather than ensuring the long-term health of their players.
The risk of mishandling injuries goes beyond just the players’ well-being. It can affect team chemistry, performance, and morale. The Cubs are in the midst of a highly competitive race in the NL Central, and losing one of their top pitchers like Steele could be the tipping point that derails their season. It also puts a strain on other pitchers, who have to pick up the slack, potentially leading to burnout or additional injuries down the line.
It’s not just the on-field performance at stake—fans are growing increasingly concerned that the Cubs’ injury management could be a ticking time bomb. While the Cubs’ front office has been quiet on the specifics of their injury protocols, the pressure to win immediately could be influencing decision-making at all levels of the organization.
Ultimately, the Cubs must ask themselves: Are they prioritizing the right things? A commitment to better injury management and player health could be the difference between sustaining a championship-contending roster or falling short due to preventable injuries. With more players getting hurt every season, it’s clear that the Cubs need to reassess how they handle injuries to avoid mishandling another key player in the future.
