Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Cubs shut down Ben Brown for the rest of 2026?
Ben Brown suffered a setback with a stress reaction in his neck while throwing a live batting practice session in Arizona, causing his symptoms to worsen. It's the same neck injury that cost him the second half of the 2024 season, and the Cubs officially shut him down for the remainder of 2026 after he was reevaluated in Chicago.
How did Ben Brown perform in 2026 before getting hurt?
Brown was outstanding before going down in June, posting a 1.85 ERA across 20 games, including eight starts, with a 24.5 K% and a 44.6% ground ball rate. He only gave up two home runs in 68 innings after surrendering 18 in 106.1 innings the year before.
What changes did Ben Brown make to become a better pitcher in 2026?
After a rough 2025 season, Brown revamped his arsenal and transformed into a ground ball pitcher with help from Cubs starter Clay Holmes during the offseason. He maintained his strikeout rate while dramatically cutting down on the hard contact and home runs that plagued him in 2025.
Has Ben Brown dealt with this neck injury before?
Yes, this is the second time in three seasons Brown has been sidelined with a neck injury. The same issue forced him to miss the second half of his rookie season in 2024.
What does Ben Brown's shutdown mean for the Cubs bullpen?
Brown would have been one of Craig Counsell's top bullpen options down the stretch and into the postseason, but now the Cubs are left relying on the same relievers who have been struggling. With 28 games left in the regular season, the Cubs will need someone else to step up as a difference-maker heading into October.
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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