Justin Steele Joins Cubs in Chicago for Next Three Weeks — Cubs Score

The cubs score in Chicago got clearer Monday: Justin Steele will join the club for the next three weeks or so as he keeps working back from the elbow setback that interrupted his spring. That move gives the Cubs a more defined rehab window while they continue sorting out their rotation depth.

Steele’s Chicago rehab plan

Steele recently started throwing plyo balls, and the hope is that he will transition to a baseball in a week. He has not been placed on a real return timeline, but the next stretch now centers on being around the Cubs in Chicago while he continues the recovery process.

That is the latest step after the setback in late April, when he felt discomfort in his throwing elbow during a bullpen session. The Cubs have not pushed past that point with a firm date, which leaves his return tied to how his arm responds over the next few weeks rather than to a target game.

Boyd’s Tuesday bullpen test

Matthew Boyd is on a similar track, though his next checkpoint comes first. He is expected to throw an up-down bullpen session on Tuesday before the Cubs decide what is next in his recovery after the left shoulder soreness that slowed his ramp-up.

Meghan Montemurro reported that Boyd and Steele were trending in the right direction as Chicago returned home for a three-game stand against the Colorado Rockies. The club still has to manage the work of two injured arms without forcing either one back before the next step is earned.

Jameson Taillon is the latest Cubs starter to hit the injured list and is not expected back for at least a few more weeks, which keeps the pressure on the rotation while the team waits on Steele and Boyd. For now, the most useful sign is that Steele’s rehab is moving from simple throwing work toward a baseball, and the Cubs will have him close by as that process continues.