Chicago Cubs hit by wave of pitcher injuries as Ben Brown and Hoby Milner land on IL

The Chicago Cubs’ pitching staff is grappling with a record‑setting number of injuries. Starting pitcher Ben Brown was placed on the 15‑day injured list with a neck fracture, a stress reaction that follows a misdiagnosed osteoma in 2024. Brown, who was 4‑2 with a 1.85 ERA in 68 innings, told reporters, “I feel worse this time around, but it’s almost like it’s a good thing,” and hopes to return later in the season.

Reliever Hoby Milner was added to the IL after undergoing emergency surgery for appendicitis; manager Craig Counsell said, “He woke up in the middle of the night and had major stomach pain.” Milner’s stint is expected to last four to six weeks. Additional starters on the IL include Edward Cabrera (left hamstring strain), Justin Steele (left elbow flexor strain), Jameson Taillon (left hamstring strain) and Cade Horton (right elbow surgery). The club has summoned right‑hander Tyler Ferguson from Triple‑A Iowa and activated veteran Bryse Wilson to fill gaps.

Overall, 12 Cubs pitchers are now on the injured list, forcing the team to rely heavily on a thin rotation and reshuffle the bullpen. The injuries raise concerns about the long‑term health of the staff and the Cubs’ postseason prospects.