All right, so earlier this week we covered an update on Ben Brown, who has been out since June with a neck issue, which the Chicago Cubs have said is similar to the injury that the right-handed pitcher had in 2024. If you recall, Brown missed the majority of his rookie season because of a benign bone tumor. Yet this week, the Cubs confirmed that Brown was symptom-free.
Relatively speaking, that was great to hear as Brown finally made some positive progress in his return. The Cubs said they had a better idea of how to handle the neck issue this time around based on the 2024 experience. Unfortunately, it meant Brown was completely shut down for a bit, and he was barely cleared to begin throwing on Tuesday.
Prior to the injury, Brown was leading the Cubs’ rotation after being called into action in May, when Matthew Boyd suffered a freak knee injury that sidelined him for more than a month. Brown was excellent in eight starts, posting a 1.70 ERA, 25.0 K%, 0.90 WHIP, and only allowing one home run in 42.1 innings, while keeping opponents to a .179 batting average.
Overall, Brown recorded a 1.85 ERA in 20 games between his time in the bullpen and eight starts. So, seeing him in action again was exciting, and his presence on the mound would be a huge boost for the Cubs down the stretch, as the team needs as much help in the rotation as they can get, especially in regard to maximizing their postseason chances with a strong performer like Brown.
🔥 Subscribe to the Untold Chicago YouTube channel to hear Chicago legends tell stories you’ve never seen in headlines — real moments, real experiences, straight from the athletes themselves.
However, Craig Counsell added to the update, and Cubs fans should lower their expectations on what Brown will be able to provide in 2026. Entering August, Brown isn’t close to game action.
Via The Athletic.
Brown is throwing regularly at the Arizona training complex, though Counsell tempered expectations with this observation: “He’s kind of a pre-spring training pitcher, essentially. Bullpens are a ways away.”
So, the Cubs remain cautious with Brown, who, based on Counsell’s comments, may not be ready to return until mid-September at the earliest. And even then, Brown most likely won’t be stretched out to pitch as a starter, so if he does contribute, it’ll be in a relief role.
A bit of a bummer, but I guess getting Brown back in any capacity is better than seeing him pitch for the Cubs again this season. Let’s hope there aren’t any setbacks.
