Cubs Pitching Reinforcements: Cabrera Nears Return, Steele Moves to Bullpen
The Chicago Cubs are monitoring several injured pitchers as the season winds down. Edward Cabrera impressed in a rehab outing, throwing up to 100.7 mph, while Justin Steele is reportedly shifting to a bullpen role. Phil Maton's status is also being tracked ahead of the team's homestand.
Cabrera's latest rehab outing featured a fastball reaching 100.7 mph, though he has surrendered six earned runs across 3.2 innings during this stint. His recurring finger blister and a previous hamstring injury have limited him to relief appearances, which is the role he would fill upon activation.
Steele's scheduled start was converted to a bullpen session, aligning with his likely relief role if promoted. He has shown improved velocity, averaging 91 mph in his second outing. Meanwhile, Phil Maton is slated for knee surgery, adding another layer to the team's pitching depth concerns.
The Cubs' late-season pitching decisions could significantly influence their postseason aspirations and the morale of their fanbase. If Cabrera and Steele successfully return in relief roles, they may stabilize a bullpen that has recently struggled, potentially affecting the National League standings. For the broader baseball community, these rehab strategies might serve as a case study in managing pitchers returning from extended injury layoffs.