\u201cI think the frustrating thing for Ben is that this is multiple times where this has knocked him out for a long period of time,\u201d Counsell said. \u201cThe answers are rest \u2014 which is a good answer, but sometimes a frustrating answer because athletes want to do something to fix things \u2014 and there\u2019s just not much to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Counsell said imaging was done again, and although the area is healing, there are still signs of an \u201cinjury.\u201d The original plan, as Counsell pointed out, was that Brown would move forward once there wasn\u2019t discomfort. He did that successfully for a stretch, but the return of pain meant the only answer now is to allow the injury to completely heal.<\/p>\n
![\"Ben](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-06-20T003745Z_788625810_MT1USATODAY29232760_RTRMADP_3_MLB-TORONTO-BLUE-JAYS-AT-CHICAGO-CUBS-sca.jpeg\")
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\n Ben Brown had a 4-2 record with one save and a 1.85 ERA in 20 appearances, including eight starts, this season. (Patrick Gorski \/ Imagn Images via Reuters Connect)<\/p>\n
Is there concern this could linger even longer or that it could impact his ability to pitch in the future?<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an injury that\u2019s happened multiple times,\u201d Counsell said. \u201cI think that\u2019s a concern. But in the end, we\u2019re going to get to spring next year, and Ben\u2019s going to be a healthy player.\u201d<\/p>\n
How long it will take to heal and when Brown can start a throwing program are unknowns. Counsell was also unsure if correcting or altering mechanics could solve the issue.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese guys throw hard because their body moves a certain way,\u201d Counsell said. \u201cHe can\u2019t invent another way to do that.\u201d<\/p>\n
After years of tantalizing the Cubs with his talent but struggling to get results, Brown broke out this season, thriving in every role the team gave him. Brown began the season in the bullpen and became one of Counsell\u2019s most trusted relievers. Injuries to starting pitchers prompted a move to the rotation, and Brown, armed with a new sinker and adjusted changeup in addition to his four-seamer and breaking ball, dominated in that role, too.<\/p>\n
He posted a 1.85 ERA with a 24.5 percent strikeout rate and 7.2 percent walk rate over 68 innings this season. His 2.0 WAR (according to FanGraphs) still leads the team\u2019s pitching staff. His return could have bolstered a bullpen that has suddenly found Counsell searching for answers.<\/p>\n
The Cubs\u2019 relievers haven\u2019t been dominant this season, but the group has gotten results and as recently as two weeks ago had an ERA of 3.85 (10th in baseball). But they\u2019ve blown numerous leads over the past dozen games and have been one of the worst units in baseball over that span (5.86 ERA).<\/p>\n