Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell optimistic about pitcher Ben Brown's return

Craig Counsell, manager of the Chicago Cubs, said on the MLB All‑Star break that right‑hander Ben Brown, who has been on the injured list with a stress fracture in his neck, is expected to pitch again this season. Brown posted a 4‑2 record with a 1.85 ERA in eight starts before the injury.

The Cubs are dealing with a large pitching staff injury list, with 13 pitchers on the IL, affecting both rotation and bullpen depth as the team chases a playoff push.

Separately, Cubs beat reporter Bruce Levine inadvertently posted a private message on X that criticized the Cubs front office; the post was quickly deleted after screenshots circulated.