The Chicago Cubs are facing a significant challenge in their pitching rotation following the season-ending injury to ace left-hander Justin Steele. Steele, who had previously undergone Tommy John surgery in 2017, will now require another reconstructive elbow procedure, effectively sidelining him for the remainder of the 2025 season .
This setback compounds the Cubs’ pitching woes, as right-hander Adbert Alzolay is also expected to miss the entire 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery . Additionally, young right-hander Javier Assad recently suffered a setback in his recovery from a left oblique injury, leading to further uncertainty in the team’s rotation .
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In response to these challenges, the Cubs have promoted top pitching prospect Cade Horton to the major leagues. Horton, who posted a 1.24 ERA in six starts at Triple-A Iowa, made his MLB debut on May 10, 2025, earning his first career win against the New York Mets . His performance will be closely monitored as the Cubs look to bolster their pitching staff.
Despite these obstacles, the Cubs remain competitive, currently holding a 28-22 record. They are scheduled to face the Cincinnati Reds in a three-game series starting today, followed by a three-game home series against the Colorado Rockies. The team’s ability to adapt and perform in the absence of key pitchers will be crucial in the coming weeks.
