Photo: Lily Smith/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK

Justin Steele Could Start Monday, and Other Cubs Injury Updates

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Ron Luce | Last updated 5/3/24

The Chicago Cubs endured a rough April on the injury front to post the franchise's best April on the record front. Entering their first three-game set with the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday, the team provided a number of updates regarding their injured stars and when they are expected to return.

Possibly the most important update in the short-term relates to Justin Steele. The team's ace threw a rehab start on Wednesday with the Iowa Cubs before re-joining the team on Thursday. He is expected to throw a bullpen on Saturday and, if it goes well, he will be slated to start on Monday against the San Diego Padres.

Justin Steele will start Monday for the #Cubs assuming his bullpen goes well tomorrow.
— Taylor McGregor (@Taylor_McGregor) May 3, 2024

With Steele's insertion into the rotation, Shota Imanaga will be slated to throw on Tuesday. The lefty is fresh off being named the NL Rookie of the Month for April.

Steele's return to the rotation will be welcomed after the team's depth has been tested during his absence.

In addition to Steele's update, the Cubs provided updates on Kyle Hendricks as well. The Professor threw a rehab start with Double-A Tennessee on Thursday, going 5.0 innings and allowing only two earned runs. Hendricks also struck out seven along the way.

YEAH KYLE https://t.co/0JBxR8HOTR
— Cubs On Tap (@CubbiesOnTap) May 2, 2024

Craig Counsell called Hendricks' start " encouraging" on Thursday. The righty got off to a rough start in the rotation, owning a 12.00 ERA through five starts. He will make another rehab start with Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday.

Finally, the team provided updates on Seiya Suzuki, Cody Bellinger, Jordan Wicks, and Drew Smyly. The pair of pitchers have been playing catch, while Suzuki took batting practice on the field. Bellinger has a recovery day on Friday, but he is progressing positively per the Cubs.

Cubs updates:

-Steele back in Chicago, throwing bullpen Sat and will be reevaluated from there.

-Hendricks back here in Chicago being reevaluated as well

-Suzuki BP on field, continues to progress

-Wicks and Smyly playing catch

-Bellinger recovery day, continues to progress
— Tony Andracki (@TonyAndracki23) May 3, 2024

Overall, Friday's injury update provides a lot of positivity for the roster. Ideally, the Cubs will return all their reinforcements on the pitching staff and get their top two hitters back sooner than later as a NL Central-loaded month of May is on the horizon.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: