Cubs' Justin Steele Lands on 15-Day IL with Elbow Tendinitis: Impact and Replacement Analysis

The Chicago Cubs have suffered a significant pitching setback as left-hander Justin Steele has been placed on the 15-day injured list with tendinitis in his pitching elbow. The move comes just one day after Steele delivered a dominant performance against the Texas Rangers, throwing seven scoreless innings with eight strikeouts.

Injury Details and Impact

The placement is retroactive to April 8, 2025, following Steele's stellar outing on April 7.
Steele, a 2023 All-Star, holds a 3.30 career ERA with the Cubs and has struggled slightly this season with a 4.76 ERA through four starts.
Elbow tendinitis can vary in severity, but the Cubs are opting for caution to avoid long-term damage to their ace.

Who Steps Up? Right-Hander Ethan Roberts Called Up

With Steele sidelined, the Cubs have recalled 27-year-old reliever Ethan Roberts from Triple-A Iowa to bolster their bullpen. Roberts has been sharp in the minors this year, posting 4.1 scoreless innings with just four hits allowed. However, his 4.72 career ERA in 30 MLB appearances suggests he may face challenges filling Steele's shoes.

Cubs' Pitching Depth Tested

Chicago now faces questions about their rotation stability:

Will Steele return to form post-injury?
Can Roberts provide reliable innings in relief?
Are deeper roster moves looming if Steele's recovery takes longer than expected?

The Cubs are halfway through a critical early-season stretch, and Steele’s absence could impact their ability to compete in a tightly contested NL Central division.

Looking Ahead

Steele’s injury is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of MLB pitching—despite strong performances, wear and tear can sideline even the most durable arms. Meanwhile, Roberts gets another shot to prove his worth at the big-league level.

Next Up: The Cubs face the Milwaukee Brewers in a pivotal divisional series, where their pitching staff will need to step up in Steele's absence.