NL Central

Chicago Cubs
PITCHER HEALTH

Preseason 2026 injury analysis, durability risk profiles, and return timelines for the Chicago Cubs pitching rotation.

Verified Injury Data

ROTATION OUTLOOK

Chicago employs a six-man rotation to manage injuries and workloads. Steele's elbow surgery is the biggest concern, while Taillon and Boyd both carry Tommy John histories. The Cubs' depth strategy aims to mitigate risk.

KEY PITCHERS

Shota Imanaga

LHP • #1 Starter

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Injury History

Hamstring issues in 2025. Velocity concerns. Generally healthy first MLB season.

Durability Risk Profile

Imanaga had a strong debut season marred by minor hamstring and velocity issues.

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Shota Imanaga injury historyCubs Imanaga health

Edward Cabrera

RHP • #2 Starter

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Injury History

Elbow sprain in 2025. Returned late in season. History of arm injuries.

Durability Risk Profile

Cabrera battled elbow issues in 2025 but returned late in the year. His arm injury history makes him a moderate durability risk.

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Edward Cabrera injury historyCubs Cabrera elbow

Jameson Taillon

RHP • #3 Starter

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Injury History

Tommy John surgery history. Generally durable post-recovery. High career mileage.

Durability Risk Profile

Taillon has been remarkably durable since recovering from Tommy John surgery years ago.

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Jameson Taillon injury historyCubs Taillon health

Justin Steele

LHP • #4 Starter

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Injury History

Left elbow UCL revision surgery (April 2025). Expected to miss Opening Day. May/All-Star break return target. Resumed throwing October 2025.

Durability Risk Profile

Steele underwent elbow surgery in April 2025 and will miss Opening Day, targeting a May or All-Star break return.

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Justin Steele injury update 2026Steele UCL surgery

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