The Chicago Cubs placed right-handed starters Ben Brown and Edward Cabrera on the 15-day injured list Wednesday, dealing a significant hit to their pitching staff. Brown landed on the shelf with a strained neck after last Friday's start against San Francisco where he allowed two runs in six innings. The 25-year-old had won three of his past four starts while posting a 1.85 ERA since joining the rotation in May.

Cabrera suffered a left hamstring strain during Tuesday's game against the New York Mets, requiring a cart to exit the field. The 28-year-old went into a split while making a throw at first base in the fifth inning and collapsed in obvious pain before being helped off. He carries a 5-4 record with a 5.10 ERA over 14 starts this season.

These injuries continue a pattern of pitching problems for the Cubs behind ace Shota Imanaga. Chicago promoted Gavin Hollowell and Vince Velasquez from the minors to fill the roster spots, though both have limited experience with just four combined relief appearances this year. The moves leave the rotation thin heading into the summer months.

Left-hander Matthew Boyd is expected to return from his knee injury for Thursday's series finale against the Mets, providing some relief. However, losing both Brown and Cabrera simultaneously creates immediate depth concerns that will test the organization's pitching resources.