Chicago Cubs pitcher Ben Brown (32) delivers a pitch in the first inning of the MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Chicago Cubs at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Saturday, June 8, 2024. Photo: Albert Cesare/The Enquirer/USA TODAY NETWORK

Cubs Injury Updates: Ben Brown to IL with Neck Issue, Colten Brewer Activated

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Bobby Foster | Last updated Jun 11, 2024 8:06 PM ET

The hits just keep on coming for the Chicago Cubs, who placed Ben Brown on the injured list (retroactive to June 9) Tuesday. The 24-year-old will miss time due to a left neck strain that he's been trying to work through over the last couple of weeks.

Luckily, the Cubs have no shortage of options to turn to in Brown's absence. Jordan Wicks' return from the IL comes at a good time. The lefty will look to stick around in a solid rotation.

Brown has been effective in his rookie season with the team. His ability to move from the rotation to the bullpen and back has given the Cubs great flexibility.

Cubs placed Ben Brown on the 15-day IL with a neck strain, retro to Sunday.

RHP Colten Brewer has been activated from the IL.

Brown is back in Chicago for further testing on his neck. Counsell said it had been bothering him the last couple weeks.
— Meghan Montemurro (@M_Montemurro) June 11, 2024

As Colten Brewer returns from a low back strain, Craig Counsell will get a fresh arm back in his bullpen. The veteran owns solid numbers in his first season with the Cubs. Perhaps with a longer look, he can carve out a nice role in a highly volatile bullpen.

The Cubs will need any help they can get in that area. Through all of their struggles this season, the bullpen has been a major problem as several leads have slipped away late.

Regarding Brown, the Cubs are surely hoping that his injury is nothing serious. One of their better homegrown arms, the righty has a bright future with the team. His start in Milwaukee is hopefully a sign of great things to come.

The injury bug has been relentless to the Cubs this season. It seems as if every major contributor to the team has spent time on the IL. Even with Ben Brown's injury, it serves as a stark reminder that more needs to be done.

If the Cubs have any hopes of turning their season around, they need reinforcements to combat their constant weaknesses.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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