Ben Brown Injury update all but rules out 2024 return for Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs' recent decision to place veteran starting pitcher Drew Smyly on outright waivers gave the impression that the front office was not only attempting to save some money, potentially getting underneath the luxury tax threshold but also creating a youth movement for the bullpen.

Smyly cleared waivers and, presumably, will finish the season in a Cubs' uniform but that shouldn't deter the team front getting a lock at some of their younger arms in the bullpen during the closing weeks of the season.

One young arm who will not be included in that movement is Ben Brown. Brown's last appearance at the Major League level was a start against the Cincinnati Reds on June 8. At that time, the Cubs appeared comfortable with Brown remaining in the starting rotation despite some speculation that he would be best-served as the team's closer.

Unfortunately, since then, Brown has been dealing with a curious neck injury. Curious in the sense that the Cubs haven't provided an actual diagnosis other than saying he was dealing with some stiffness.

While Brown was recently sent to Arizona to continue his recovery, Craig Counsell provided an update on the rookie's status for the rest of the season.

Ben Brown's rookie season is likely over.

It's a disappointing end to what was an impressive rookie season for Brown. Prior to being shut down, Brown posted a 3.58 ERA across 15 appearances for the Cubs this season.

The question now becomes what will Brown's offseason program look like. It's tough to make any declarative statements, considering no timeline was provided on when Brown will actually resume pitching activity. Still, given the injury, it seems unlikely that Brown will be penciled into the starting rotation at the beginning of the 2025 season. The 2025 season, regardless of how the 2024 season ends, will be one where the Cubs are expected to contend from start to finish. Figuring Brown into the starting rotation immediately upon his return would be a dangerous proposition for the Cubs.