2026 Injury Report: Updates on Brown, Fried, Larnach

Heading into the winter, the Cubs had an obvious need for pitching. Their need for short-term help became a bit larger, as the club confirmed that Ben Brown needed surgery. Additionally, Yankees left-hander Max Fried had bone spur removal surgery.

Brown needed surgery

Cubs pitcher Ben Brown had cervical spine surgery, which will keep him out until sometime in the first half of 2027 (h/t ESPN).

Brown was one of the best stories to come out of Chicago last season. The former top prospect had trouble in the Majors over the first few years, as Brown was searching for a complement to his fastball and curveball. He found two with a sinker and changeup, and wound up thriving in the bullpen.

Between May 18 and late June, Brown went four or more innings in every single outing, and allowed more than two runs once in eight appearances.

The right-hander last pitched in the Majors on June 19 and was placed on the IL later in June with a neck strain.

Fried underwent procedure

In other Yankees-related injury news, Cashman noted that Max Fried had bone spur removal surgery and will resume throwing in December.

Fried had multiple IL stints this season with a bone bruise in his elbow. Manager Aaron Boone indicated in late October that Fried’s UCL was fine and expected a normal offseason for the left-hander.

Other notes

Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll indicated during the GM meetings that Trevor Larnach will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left wrist.