Rehab Rundown: Key Takeaways from the Cubs‑Diamondbacks Matchup
The recent Bridge League contest between the Chicago Cubs and Arizona Diamondbacks offered more than a simple exhibition; it served as a live laboratory for four pitchers whose seasons have been defined by injury and recovery.
Justin Steele, the 2023 All‑Star, has been sidelined since April after undergoing elbow surgery and later battling a flexor‑tendon strain. In his latest rehab outing he threw in the 90‑91 mph range, showcasing a natural cutter and a sharp slider that hinted at the form that earned him his All‑Star nod.
Corbin Burnes, despite a noticeable dip from his former 96 mph peak to a 93 mph fastball, still managed to keep his breaking ball crisp. He tossed 24 pitches, mixing fastballs with a slider that retained its bite, suggesting that command can compensate for a temporary loss of velocity.
Ben Brown, fully healthy for the first time in months, delivered two innings of 95‑96 mph heat, flashing a nasty breaking ball that kept hitters off balance. While his command wavered briefly, the overall effectiveness pointed to a promising piggyback role in the Cubs’ crowded rotation as the season tightens.
Zac Gallen, who was dealt to the Diamondbacks at the trade deadline, used the game to test his own rehab progress. He threw 45 pitches over three innings, topping out at 94 mph and showing late movement on his cutter and curveball. The outing was solid, though the Arizona heat added an extra layer of difficulty.
Gallen’s six‑year, $210 million contract through 2030 is tied to his arm strength, a metric the Diamondbacks will watch closely as they evaluate his long‑term fit. A potential return on September 7, after the team placed him on the 60‑day injured list to free up a roster spot for Lars Nootbaar, looms as a key date for the club’s playoff aspirations.
The performances underscore a broader narrative: each pitcher is navigating a delicate balance between showcasing health and preserving the value of multimillion‑dollar contracts. As the season progresses, the Cubs and Diamondbacks will lean on these rehab outings to decide how best to integrate these arms into their postseason plans.