Justin Steele Cleared by Surgeon to Resume Full-Intent Throwing

We’ve been saying for a while now that Justin Steele could very well be ready to return not long after spring training, and the Cubs’ decision to keep him off the 60-day IL was another indication of that. Even more telling are the videos Steele has been posting of his throwing program, the latest of which includes an update that he has been fully cleared by his elbow surgeon, Dr. Keith Meister, to resume full activity.

Steele shared that he is back to 100%, as evidenced by the last bullet from his Friday bullpen.

Last bullet from my bullpen yesterday. Got cleared by Dr. Meister today. Good day for some reflection. Just wanna say thank you to everyone who’s helped me along this journey to getting back to 100% . Coaches, trainers, staff, family, and everything in between. You all know who… pic.twitter.com/hK6BKmIvYQ

— Justin Steele (@J_Steele21) February 28, 2026

He told reporters prior to the start of camp that he planned to face live hitters in camp, and it certainly appears as though he’s on pace to do so fairly soon. Provided there are no setbacks, the lefty may only need a little time in extended spring training and some minor league starts before he’s ready to return. This is the point where I remind you that this would not be rushing Steele back to action.

If anything, returning at some point in April would be right in line with standard recovery time for internal brace UCL revision like the one he underwent last year. While it’s still a significant procedure, the return-to-competition timeline is typically much shorter than that following full reconstruction. What’s more, the Cubs’ pitching depth will allow them to bring Steele along conservatively even after he’s ready to pitch in the majors again.

Between this and his wife’s announcement about the couple’s rainbow baby, it’s been a pretty great few days of news from the Steele family.