Chicago Cubs Give Surprising Injury Update Ahead Injury Pirates Matchup

The Chicago Cubs continue to nudge toward getting healthier — and it isn’t just the activation of Cody Bellinger.

Cubs manager David Ross said that pitcher Justin Steele would work in the bullpen on Thursday in what is termed a “touch and feel” scenario. Steele likely won’t throw at full speed and see how long he’s able to go.

The Cubs (30-37) host the Pirates (34-32) at 7:05 p.m. Thursday in a series finale between the two teams at Wrigley Field.

Steele threw a bullpen on Tuesday as he works back from the 15-day injured list after a left forearm strain. Steele has been a bright spot in the Cubs’ rotation, as he’s 6-2 with a 2.65 ERA in 12 starts. He’s struck out 58 and walked 16.

Ross also provided a few more injury updates.

Edwin Ríos will start an injury rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa on Thursday. Bellinger just returned from Iowa on Thursday and was activated for the Pirates game. The Cubs sent Matt Mervis to Triple-A to make room.

Ríos was participating in baseball activities earlier this week as he makes his way back from the 10-day injured list with a left groin strain. He was batting less than .100 before the injury.

Cubs pitcher Brandon Hughes will throw a light catch session as he continues to work back from left knee inflammation that put him on the 15-day injured list on June 13. Hughes is 0-3 with a 7.24 ERA this season.

Another Cubs pitcher, Codi Heuer, will play this weekend at Iowa. Heuer hasn’t pitched since 2021, when the White Sox traded him to the Cubs.

Heuer went on the injured list in March of 2022 after Tommy John surgery and he began a rehab assignment in Iowa on May 6. He has already pitched in 13 games for the Iowa Cubs, with an 0-1 record and an 8.74 ERA in 11.1 innings.

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