Chicago Cubs left-hander Justin Steele has been shut down in his recovery from Tommy John surgery, manager Craig Counsell said Tuesday.

Steele, who last pitched for Chicago on April 7, 2025, was trending towards a return in late May or early June, but has now stopped throwing as he deals with a left elbow flexor strain.

He'll be re-evaluated in another month. It's not entirely clear how much longer that could delay Steele's return for a Cubs pitching staff that's already without right-hander Cade Horton due to Tommy John surgery.

This Tommy John surgery was the second of Steele's career. Now 30, he previously had the same procedure done when he was a prospect in Chicago's farm system.

Steele has been consistently effective for the Cubs when available. The 2023 All-Star who finished fifth in National League Cy Young Award voting that season has a 32-22 record and a 3.30 career ERA over 102 appearances (91 starts).