The Chicago Cubs signal caution about right-hander Justin Steele’s timetable, with manager Craig Counsell indicating the team is “pumping the brakes” on his potential return for the playoffs, according to reports.
The outlets describe Counsell’s remarks as a message that Steele’s recovery is not assured on a schedule that would impact the postseason. Both sources frame the comments as tempering expectations rather than confirming a return date. The reporting focuses on Steele’s injury status and the organization’s approach to managing his availability as the season progresses and playoff positioning develops.
While the articles do not present additional medical details, they align on the core point: the Cubs’ leadership communicates uncertainty regarding whether Steele will be able to return in time. The emphasis is on expectation-setting and roster planning rather than a definitive outcome.
