Chicago Cubs pitcher Ben Brown underwent successful cervical spine surgery in New York to address a lingering neck issue. The 27-year-old right-hander had the procedure on his C5 vertebra after experiencing neck pain for the second time in three years. Brown posted a 1.85 ERA in 20 games last season before his season ended in late June.
He aims to start a throwing progression early next year and be game ready for the first half of the 2027 season. Brown, acquired from the Phillies in 2021, has a career 4.15 ERA over three seasons but has steadily improved with Chicago. His absence, alongside Cade Horton and Justin Steele on the injured list, highlights the Cubs' pitching needs this winter.
The team has several rotation openings to fill once Brown returns next year.
Source: ESPN MLB · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing