Ben Brown to miss remainder of 2026 season with Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs have announced that right-handed pitcher Ben Brown will miss the remainder of the 2026 season due to a recurring neck injury. Brown, who was already on the 60-day injured list, suffered a setback that prevented him from beginning a minor league rehab assignment.

Brown had been experiencing a breakout season before being sidelined in June. During his 2026 campaign, he appeared in 20 games, including eight starts, posting a 1.85 ERA and a 24.5% strikeout rate. His performance had transitioned him from a high-leverage reliever to a reliable member of the starting rotation.

Manager Craig Counsell confirmed the decision to shut Brown down for the year to focus on his recovery and preparation for next season. The injury marks the second time in three seasons that Brown has missed significant time due to neck issues.