The Chicago Cubs were counting on Ben Brown returning this season for the stretch run.
However, that may not happen now.
On Wednesday, Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reporters that Brown experienced symptoms in his neck after his live batting practice session yesterday. They reportedly got worse as the day went on.
The plan is for Brown to travel back to the Cubs to be evaluated. And as Counsell noted, this setback will at least slow things down for the pitcher.
Brown has been on the injured list since June 21 with a stress reaction in his neck. It’s quite concerning that he is having recurring symptoms after beginning to ramp up.
The 26-year-old is 4-2 with a 1.85 ERA and 0.94 WHIP this season, but has been limited to just 68 innings of work across 20 appearances and eight starts.
The Cubs have been hit with numerous pitching injuries this season. They lost Cade Horton to Tommy John surgery in April and have been without Justin Steele all year. As a result, Chicago went out and acquired pitchers: David Peterson, Clay Holmes, Kevin Gausman and Ryan Zeferjahn at the MLB trade deadline.
The Cubs were hoping that Brown and Steele could return down the stretch to pitch out of the bullpen. The good news is that Steele is still on track to do so and fully expects to come back this season. Steele underwent Tommy John surgery last season and suffered a flexor strain while rehabbing earlier in the year.
As for Brown, the Cubs will evaluate him to determine the severity of his setback. However, it will be tough for Brown to resume his rehab and ramp up in time to return this season.
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