PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 27: Justin Steele #35 of the Chicago Cubs looks on during a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on March 27, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThe Chicago Cubs have spent much of the 2026 season reinforcing their pitching staff, and that depth could prove decisive if they are going to make a serious postseason run.The team has seen several injury setbacks in its pitching staff this season, but attempted to address them with several additions before the trade deadline, including veteran starter Kevin Gausman.“Kevin Gausman, one of several additions at the trade deadline, shut down the (Arizona) Diamondbacks in Monday night’s win, throwing seven scoreless innings and shaking off the cramping sensation that popped up in his left/non-throwing hand during his previous start,” Patrick Mooney wrote for The Athletic. “If the Cubs don’t win the NL Central and enter the playoffs as a wild card — the Milwaukee Brewers hold a 5 1/2-game lead over them in the division — then they will have to win four postseason rounds to achieve their goal. As this season has shown over and over again, you can never have enough pitching.”That is why the potential return of Justin Steele has generated so much excitement. Chicago, however, is pumping the brakes on that possibility.ForbesDodgers World Series Champion, Key To Tarik Skubal Trade, Suddenly Ends CareerBy Peter ChawagaChicago Cubs ‘Tapped The Brakes’ Even As All-Star Pitcher Justin Steele Targets ReturnSteele has not pitched in a major league game since suffering a significant elbow injury, making any potential comeback a complicated proposition.As he heads toward a rehab assignment next month, Steele has expressed some confidence that he is getting close to an official return to the mound. But manager Craig Counsell was quick to temper those expectations.MORE FOR YOU“Still, as much as Counsell loves the enthusiasm, he tapped the brakes on a potential return for Steele,” Bob Nightengale reported for USA Today. “He didn’t completely rule it out, but reminded everyone that Steele hasn’t pitched in 16 months after undergoing elbow surgery, has yet to go on a rehab assignment, and has pitched to live batters only once.”That timeline explains why Chicago is being cautious.ForbesYankees Voice Sends Retirement Update After ‘Orgy’ Comments Go ViralBy Peter ChawagaInjured All-Star Pitcher Justin Steele Could Still Help Chicago CubsSteele's potential value is obvious. The 31-year-old is a homegrown Cubs pitcher who initially reached the majors as a reliever before establishing himself in the rotation.His breakout came in 2023, when Steele earned his first All-Star selection and finished fifth in NL Cy Young voting. That season established him as one of Chicago’s most reliable starting pitchers.And as the Cubs know all too well, you can never have too much pitching in October. That being said, fans should probably hold off on getting too excited, even if Steele himself has his sights set on a return this season.