Cubs' injury updates on Hoby Milner, Ben Brown put wet blanket over win against Brewers

The Chicago Cubs finally showed signs of life against the Milwaukee Brewers this season, beating their rival from up north 8-2. It was an important showing for the Cubs, but the news on Saturday wasn't all encouraging.

Before the game, the Cubs were dealt with yet another injury on their pitching staff. Craig Counsell revealed to reporters that Hoby Milner underwent emergency appendicitis surgery, and will be sidelined for the next 4-6 weeks.

Taking Milner's place in the bullpen is Tyler Ferguson, who has recalled from Triple-A Iowa. With Milner, Daniel Palencia, Hunter Harvey, and Phil Maton on the IL, the Cubs bullpen has become a revolving door.

It remains to be seen if Harvey is going to pitch again for the Cubs, and Counsell told reporters on Saturday that Palencia is expected back after the All-Star break. Who knows when Maton will be activated, considering the impression is that this an IL stint designed to get him right.

Beyond the need in the rotation, it's become crystal clear the Cubs will need to address the bullpen at the deadline. Over the past two months, they've brought in a handful of veterans, and the hope is that one of them could help the bullpen by the end of the season. The group includes Aaron Bummer, Liam Hendriks, and Drew Pomeranz.

Ben Brown has clarity, but his return this season is far from certain

Brown met with reporters on Saturday, and confirmed his neck injury is the identical to one that ended his 2024 season prematurely. The 2024 injury was eventually diagnosed as osteoma, indicating that a bone in his neck was growing as a benign tumor. Instead, Brown told reporters that it ultimately proved to be a stress reaction, and there's some relief that the same issue this time has been correctly identified.

That said, the timeline regarding Brown's potential change hasn't changed. Brown will be shut for the next 4-6 weeks before the Cubs determine next steps. That gives Brown a a narrow runway to return this season, but if the timeline is extended out, his ramp-up is going to take additional time.

There certainly are seasons defined by injuries. The Atlanta Braves were that team last year, and this year, they are one of the best teams in baseball. If there's a silver lining for the Cubs, the season hasn't gotten away from them yet. There's still a clear path available to them to reach the playoffs, and that should put Jed Hoyer and Co. in a position to add to this group.

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