PHOENIX — Justin Steele “absolutely” expects to pitch for the Chicago Cubs this year, a growing possibility as he continues to make progress at the organization’s Arizona complex. An All-Star starting pitcher in 2023, Steele is ramping up as a lefty reliever in the hopes of having an impact on a club with World Series aspirations.At the same time, Cubs officials have repeatedly expressed caution, emphasizing Steele’s long layoff and the short amount of time left on the baseball calendar. He underwent major surgery on his left elbow in April 2025 and then dealt with a flexor strain earlier this season, a combination that essentially wiped out two prime years of his career.Inside Chase Field’s visitors clubhouse, teammates warmly greeted Steele before Monday’s 7-0 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. He is scheduled to throw live batting practice Tuesday and Friday, and if those sessions go smoothly, he could begin a minor-league rehab assignment shortly thereafter.“It’s just been a long road,” Steele said. “It feels really good to get towards the end of that tunnel. You see how the team’s playing, you just want to get back and help.”Who should win NL MVP?Joe CrisalliFor that to happen, Steele can’t afford another setback. Eventually, he will have to prove himself as a better-than option for a team with newfound pitching depth, and establish that he has the ability to bounce back and be available.Cubs manager Craig Counsell, who runs his pitching staff with a long-term outlook and takes a more conservative approach in these situations, made a point to temper any expectations surrounding Steele.“We need to get him pitching in games first,” Counsell said. “We’re not going to skip steps. He rightfully should be (focused on returning this season), but we have a lot of steps to go before we get there.