Chicago Cubs face pitching crisis as Edward Cabrera and Ben Brown land on injured list

The Chicago Cubs, who sit seven games over .500 and in second place in the NL Central after sweeping the New York Mets, have placed right‑hander Edward Cabrera and reliever Ben Brown on the injured list. Cabrera suffered a left hamstring/adductor strain that required him to be carted off the field, while Brown was sidelined by persistent neck discomfort. Manager Craig Counsell said Brown will be shut down for at least a month, and doctors expect Cabrera to be out through late August at best.

The injuries further deplete a rotation already strained by the loss of Cade Horton (Tommy John surgery) and Jameson Taillon. In response, Chicago has acquired pitchers David Peterson, Bryse Wilson and former Cub Drew Pomeranz, and recalled Matthew Boyd from the IL. The club hopes these moves will stabilize a staff that has been described as “in a world of hurt,” while the team continues its quest for a division title.

Meanwhile, the Cubs are set to face the Milwaukee Brewers, with Ryan Rolison slated to start as an opener and Jordan Wicks called upon to provide bulk innings amid the pitching shortage. The lineup features Pete Crow‑Armstrong, Alex Bregman and Seiya Suzuki, with Matt Shaw benched for Michael Conforto.