Chicago Cubs Lose Two Starting Pitchers to Injured List

The Chicago Cubs placed right‑hander Ben Brown on the 15‑day injured list with a neck strain and left‑hander Edward Cabrera on the 15‑day injured list after suffering a left hamstring and adductor strain while covering first base during a 9‑6 win over the New York Mets. Brown had been a key arm this season, posting a 4‑2 record with a 1.85 ERA (1.70 ERA in eight starts) before the injury. Cabrera entered the game with a 4‑4 record and a 5.21 ERA in 13 starts.

The moves bring the number of Cubs starting pitchers on the IL to five, joining Matthew Boyd (returning from a left meniscus injury), Jameson Taillon (strained left hamstring) and others. The club also has several bullpen arms sidelined, including closer Daniel Palencia. Manager Craig Counsell noted the urgency of getting healthy starters back, while General Manager Jed Hoyer confirmed the team will explore trade options to add pitching depth before the trade deadline.

Additional injured staff include left‑hander Cade Horton (out for the year after Tommy John surgery) and right‑hander Justin Steele (on a 60‑day IL for Tommy John surgery and a flexor strain). The injuries force the Cubs to adjust their rotation and rely on veteran Vince Velázquez and other available arms in the short term.