Justin Steele Returning to Rotation Wednesday

Justin Steele will return to the rotation for Wednesday’s series finale after 17 days on the IL with elbow tendinitis, Craig Counsell told the media Tuesday evening. Steele told reporters over the weekend that he expected to be activated during the homestand, so this doesn’t come as too much of a surprise. There is still some concern, however, that activating a pitcher with previous injury issues for what could amount to three meaningless starts is not in the best interest of either team or player.

I don’t necessarily disagree with that take, particularly when weighing the Cubs’ possible penchant for letting players’ egos determine their availability, but I think we should give them the benefit of the doubt here. Knowing the situation, I can’t imagine there’s any chance they’d let Steele return if he was still experiencing pain or weakness in that left elbow. Unless he’s lying, of course, but I don’t think he’s that foolish.

It’s probably too little, too late for the Cubs at this point, so I’m just hoping Steele is able to shove and put himself in a good spot mentally heading into the offseason.