Another Chicago Cubs starting pitcher lands on the shelf

Mar 31, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Ben Brown (32) pitches against the Los Angeles Angels during the sixth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

Another Chicago Cubs starting pitcher lands on the shelf

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Zack Cariola | Last updated Jun 24, 2026 4:02 PM ET

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The Chicago Cubs’ season just hit dire straits, as another starting pitcher has been placed on the injured list.

According to Marquee Sports Network’s Taylor McGregor, Ben Brown was placed on the 15-day injured list with a neck strain. Brown was the second Cubs starting pitcher to land on the injured list on Wednesday. Edward Cabrera (right-hand cramping) was placed on the 15-day injured list earlier in the day.

More Cubs News: Chicago Cubs’ Ben Brown has been the savior of the pitching staff

Losing Brown isn’t going to help the Cubs moving forward, as he has proven to be their best arm. Brown had been used in the bullpen (1-1 2.10 ERA, 12 appearances) and in the rotation (3-1 with a 1.70 ERA in eight starts).

Five starting pitchers, who could all be in the starting rotation, occupy the injured list, with left-hander Matthew Boyd coming off to start on Thursday. Boyd had been on the injured list since May 6 with a left meniscus injury.

#Cubs starting pitchers currently on the IL:

-Cade Horton
-Justin Steele
-Matthew Boyd
-Jameson Taillon
-Edward Cabrera
-Ben Brown

— Taylor McGregor (@Taylor_McGregor) June 24, 2026

The Chicago Cubs’ trade deadline (Aug. 3) plans become clear with Ben Brown’s injury

It was no secret that the Cubs and Jed Hoyer would be shopping around for starting pitching at the deadline. However, due to Cabrera’s and Brown’s injuries, the Cubs desperately need another arm.

Lacking the necessary starting pitching depth to fill the leftover innings, the Cubs are relying on veteran Vince Velazquez to hold things over. A decent big leaguer (4.86 career ERA) over his 10 seasons, the Cubs will need to acquire another arm sooner rather than later before the price increases.

The Cubs have pieces to trade to acquire a decent arm. But with only eight teams indicating they’ll need starting pitching, more are sure to follow.