Justin Steele Throws Flat Ground at Wrigley

Justin Steele is back with the Cubs at Wrigley as he builds back up for a possible return by the end of the season. The initial plan was for him to be ready by late May or early June, but a setback extended his timeline and ensured that he won’t be able to stretch out as a starter. It won’t be for a lack of effort, though.

Steele told reporters that he made an estimated 80-85 throws on flat ground prior to Friday’s game against the Yankees and plans to throw more on Saturday. He should be able to get off the mound for 20 pitches as well, which would be a nice step forward. The Cubs have a number of other positive pitching updates as well.

Edward Cabrera is in Iowa for Friday’s game to make what should be the first of three rehab starts before he is activated, putting him in line for a return somewhere in the second half of August. Hoby Milner made an appearance with the I-Cubs earlier in the week as he works back from an appendectomy in June. Daniel Palencia is supposed to throw live BP on Saturday, weather permitting, and should be ready for rehab outings after that. Hunter Harvey is on a similar timeline, so he could be activated before long.

Between that and whatever Jed Hoyer does at the deadline, the pitching staff should look completely different by September.