The Chicago Cubs continued to face significant pitching challenges as they placed right-handers Ben Brown and Edward Cabrera on the 15-day injured list ahead of Wednesday’s split doubleheader against the New York Mets in New York. Brown is sidelined with a neck strain, while Cabrera is dealing with a moderate left hamstring strain. Both moves add to the team’s already depleted rotation as the Cubs navigate a season marked by injuries.
Brown and Cabrera join Cade Horton (undergoing Tommy John surgery and out for the season), Jameson Taillon (left hamstring strain, expected to miss time past the All-Star break), and Justin Steele (flexor strain, currently in early stages of recovery) on the injured list. Meanwhile, Matthew Boyd, recovering from meniscectomy and shoulder soreness, is slated to return Thursday for the series finale against the Mets.
In response to these setbacks, the Cubs recalled right-hander Gavin Hollowell and added veteran Vince Velasquez to the roster, creating an opening by designating Eduarniel Núñez for assignment. Additionally, Tyler Ferguson is serving as the 27th man for Wednesday’s doubleheader. The team also acquired right-hander Bryse Wilson off waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies and removed Christian Roa from the roster, signaling a continued need to bolster pitching depth.
Manager Craig Counsell acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, stating, “We’re going to be piecing it together, and that’s just how it’s going to work.” He noted that upcoming off days would provide some relief, but the immediate schedule, including a series this weekend in Milwaukee, presents a challenge for assembling a reliable rotation.
Brown’s neck issues have been progressively worsening since his June 13 start in San Francisco. After being unable to complete a bullpen session on Tuesday at Citi Field, he returned to Chicago for further medical evaluation. Brown’s current symptoms involve the same area affected by an osteoma, a benign bone tumor that sidelined him for much of the previous season. While Counsell indicated the current injury might not be as severe, concerns remain about a potential connection.
Brown’s absence is particularly impactful given his strong performance this season. The 26-year-old had posted a 1.85 ERA over 20 appearances, including a 1.70 ERA across eight starts, allowing only two home runs in 68 innings pitched.
Cabrera’s injury occurred late in Tuesday’s game when he strained his left hamstring after stretching into a split at first base to complete an out. He was unable to leave the field without assistance and is expected to miss several weeks, though no specific recovery timeline has been announced.
With just four healthy starters currently on the roster—Shota Imanaga, Javier Assad, Colin Rea, and the soon-to-return Boyd—the Cubs are scrambling to fill innings and maintain competitiveness. The team’s pitching depth will be tested in the coming weeks as it tries to overcome this wave of injuries while hoping for improved offensive production to carry the club.