The Rundown: Steele Downplays Early Return Possibility, Spring Breakout Becoming Tourney, Cards Try Gimmick to Increase Attendance -

"As far as doctor's orders, he's cleared me to...full-go as far as baseball activities, no restrictions. I mean, I would still be sticking to the same timeline that we've kinda been saying - May, June-ish. And all of this is with the thought in mind that the outings in October and November are gonna be the ones that matter the most."

"Everything was pointing toward the lefty being ready to go by early May, particularly with the Cubs choosing to DFA Ben Cowles rather than place Steele on the 60-day IL to open a roster spot for Shelby Miller. Cowles is back with the organization once again now that Miller has been placed on the 60-day for the rest of the season as he rehabs his reconstructed elbow, but Steele is in limbo."

Justin Steele received full clearance from his surgeon to resume baseball activities without restrictions, but his actual return timeline remains ambiguous. Initially expected to return by early May, Steele indicated in recent comments that May or June represents a more realistic target, emphasizing that October and November performances will ultimately matter most. The Cubs' roster decisions, including DFAing Ben Cowles and placing Shelby Miller on the 60-day IL, created uncertainty about Steele's status. While his surgical recovery appears successful, the organization appears to be taking a conservative approach to his rehabilitation, suggesting factors beyond pure health considerations influence the timeline.

Read at Cubsinsider