Frequently Asked Questions
What is wrong with Ben Brown and why is he hurt again?
Ben Brown has a stress reaction in his neck, the same issue that forced him to miss the second half of the 2024 season. He felt symptoms at the end of a live batting practice session and they worsened throughout the day, prompting the Cubs to send him back to Chicago for reevaluation.
How did Ben Brown perform before getting injured in 2026?
Before the injury, Brown was outstanding in eight starts, posting a 1.70 ERA, a 0.90 WHIP, a 25.0 K%, and holding opponents to a .179 batting average in 42.1 innings. He also allowed just one home run during that stretch and was considered the Cubs' ace heading into the playoffs.
Is Ben Brown done for the 2026 season?
It's not confirmed as a full shutdown yet, but manager Craig Counsell said the setback is going to slow Brown's return down in some way. With only 4.5 weeks left before the postseason and 28 regular season games remaining, time is not on Brown's side.
Why were the Cubs being so careful with Ben Brown's return this time?
After Brown missed the second half of the 2024 season with the same neck issue, the Cubs took extra precautions in 2026 by not rushing him back to the mound until he was completely pain-free. They wanted to make sure he was fully healthy before ramping up his throwing activity.
What caused Ben Brown to miss time in the first place in 2026?
Brown has been sidelined since early June 2026 with a neck issue, the same stress reaction that previously cost him the second half of the 2024 season. He had completed two throwing sessions to live batters at the Cubs' spring training facility in Arizona before suffering the latest setback.
Aldo Soto
With a journalism degree from Eastern Illinois University and a decade of Cubs reporting, my work has appeared on 670 The Score, ESPN 1000, and the Pinwheels and Ivy Podcast. I cover Cubs news and analysis for Sports Mockery, including roster moves, game breakdowns, and prospect development.
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