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Chicago Cubs Could Another Pitcher Be Lost for the Season with Elbow Injury
Apr
The Chicago Cubs are grappling with a devastating blow to their pitching staff after losing ace Justin Steele for the 2025 season due to an elbow injury. Now, concerns are mounting that reliever Eli Morgan could face a similar season-ending fate, further testing the Cubs’ bullpen depth. Here’s a deep dive into the injuries, their implications, and what lies ahead for Chicago.
Justin Steele’s Season-Ending Surgery
The Cubs’ worst fears were realized when left-handed ace Justin Steele underwent a left ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) revision repair surgery on April 18, 2025. While less invasive than a full Tommy John surgery, the procedure will sideline Steele for the remainder of 2025 and likely into mid-2026. Manager Craig Counsell provided a timeline, stating, “We’re looking at kind of about a year time frame. He’s got a long rehab ahead of him.”
Steele, a cornerstone of Chicago’s rotation over the past few seasons, was coming off a stellar start to 2025 before the injury. His loss is a massive setback for a team aiming to compete in the NL Central. Despite the daunting rehab process, Steele remains optimistic and will soon begin his recovery at the Cubs’ complex in Mesa, Arizona.
Eli Morgan’s Troubling Injury
As the Cubs process Steele’s absence, another pitcher’s health is raising red flags. On April 15, right-handed reliever Eli Morgan was placed on the 15-day injured list with a “right elbow impingement.” On Saturday, Counsell revealed that Morgan underwent an MRI and is seeking a second opinion—a sequence eerily similar to Steele’s injury timeline. In the context of elbow injuries, second opinions often signal serious concerns.
Morgan’s injury status remains unclear, but the parallels to Steele’s case suggest the Cubs could be bracing for another significant loss. Unlike Steele, a proven ace, Morgan has struggled in 2025, posting a 12.27 ERA over 7.1 innings in seven appearances. His final outing before the IL stint was particularly rough, surrendering four earned runs in just two-thirds of an inning against the San Diego Padres on April 14.
Morgan’s Role and Struggles
Acquired from the Cleveland Guardians in the offseason for minor leaguer Alfonsin Rosario, Morgan was expected to be a key piece in a Cubs bullpen undergoing a rebuild. In 2024, he excelled with Cleveland, boasting a 1.93 ERA across 42 innings in 32 games. However, Morgan failed to secure a spot on Chicago’s Opening Day roster and was called up only after the season began, amid a flurry of roster moves.
His 2025 performance has been a stark contrast to his 2024 success. Morgan’s inflated ERA and inability to find consistency in middle relief have diminished his immediate impact. While his potential loss won’t carry the same weight as Steele’s, it still poses challenges for a bullpen that can’t afford to lose depth.
Impact on the Cubs’ Bullpen
The Cubs’ front office worked diligently in the offseason to bolster their bullpen, adding depth to withstand injuries. Morgan was viewed as a solid, if not spectacular, building block in this reconstruction. Fortunately, Chicago’s proactive approach means they’re better equipped to absorb his potential absence compared to Steele’s devastating loss. As Counsell navigates the season, the team will rely on other relievers to step up and fill the gap.
Still, every arm matters in a long MLB season. The loss of even a middle reliever like Morgan could strain the bullpen, especially if other injuries arise. The Cubs’ ability to maintain depth will be critical as they face a competitive NL Central and aim for a playoff spot.
Deeper Analysis: A Troubling Trend?
The injuries to Steele and potentially Morgan highlight a broader issue for the Cubs: pitcher durability. Elbow injuries, particularly those involving the UCL, are an all-too-common plague in modern baseball. Steele’s revision surgery, while less severe than Tommy John, underscores the physical toll of high-velocity pitching. Morgan’s impingement, if it escalates to a ligament issue, could further expose vulnerabilities in Chicago’s pitching staff.
The Cubs must now focus on injury prevention and workload management for their remaining pitchers. Strategies like monitoring pitch counts, optimizing recovery protocols, and leveraging their bullpen depth will be essential to avoid further losses. Additionally, the front office may need to explore trade or free-agent options to reinforce the pitching staff as the season progresses.
Looking Ahead
For now, the Cubs await clarity on Morgan’s injury while supporting Steele through his lengthy rehab. The team’s resilience will be tested as they navigate these setbacks early in the 2025 season. With a solid foundation in their bullpen and a talented roster, Chicago has the tools to stay competitive, but they’ll need to execute flawlessly to overcome the loss of key pitchers.
