Per Steele, via Instagram:

“Surgery today. Just wanted to take some time to say thank you to everyone who has sent their thoughts and prayers. Truly means the world to me at the number of people who have reached out to my family and me. It’s appreciated beyond belief. I’ll be back soon and better than ever.”

While it’s still unclear as to which specific surgery he’ll be having to repair his ailing left elbow (most believe it to be Tommy John surgery), the fact remains that it’ll be a season-ender and possibly keep him from pitching early next season as well.

And, of course, that loss will be felt.

Steele has a 3.30 ERA over his 5-year major league run with the Cubs and has been the team’s most consistently excellent starter during that run. From 2022 on, he’s also been one of the top starters in all of major league baseball.

Of course, we’re going to make phone calls on trades,” Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer recently told The Athletic. “Of course, we’re going to be open. But it’s also April, and those (deals) are unusual. Right now, our biggest focus is internally, just making sure that guys are throwing well and that we can withstand (things) from within.

“Is there anyone actually truly available? For the most part, teams are just going to say: ‘We’ll wait until July, at least, when we have a bigger market and more teams involved.’ It’s just hard this time of year to get (deals done). I would also say there’s just not that many sellers right now.”

Cubs manager Craig Counsell was realistic, but optimistic about how his team will adapt without their southpaw linchpin.