Justin Steele Moving Closer to Big League Return as Cubs Make Left-Field Addition: Pitcher’s Next Step, Matt Mervis, and More.

The Chicago Cubs have a plan in place for pitcher Justin Steele’s return, and his next step will be to move up to the Triple-A level next week. After facing live players for three innings at the team’s Arizona complex on Friday, Steele is likely to continue his rehabilitation in Iowa on Wednesday. The team is working to build Steele’s backup to rejoin the big league rotation, but has not yet announced whether he will make one or more rehabs with a minor league partner.

Meanwhile, the Cubs made a trade with the Boston Red Sox on Monday, sending veteran Garrett Cooper to Boston in exchange for cash. The decision to trade Cooper came after the Cubs added Matt Mervis to the big league roster and felt they had enough right-handed hitters with Patrick Wisdom back from injury. They were looking for a left-handed bat to balance out the roster, which they found in Mervis.

Pitching coach Tommy Hotovi laid out the timetable for Steele’s return, with the next step set for Wednesday. If all goes according to plan, Steele could return to the five-day rotation and be ready to throw on Monday, May 6. This fits the Cubs’ schedule, as their minor league allies are off that day, but the Chicago Cubs are playing the Padres at Wrigley Field. If another rehab trip is needed, Steele could potentially be back in the rotation in Chicago on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12.