The Chicago Cubs are preparing to face the Milwaukee Brewers in the final game of their four-game series at Wrigley Field, scheduled for 6:15 p.m. CDT on Thursday. The Cubs started the series strong with a commanding 17-3 victory on Monday, but the Brewers responded with wins on Tuesday and Wednesday, taking the second and third games 9-4 and 9-5, respectively.
As they gear up for the decisive game, the Cubs have received troubling news regarding right-handed pitcher Ben Brown. The young talent, who has been on the injured list since late June due to a neck injury, has now been ruled out for the remainder of the season. This announcement comes from Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports, who confirmed via social media that Brown's condition has not improved.
Brown had been showing signs of recovery and was on the verge of returning to the mound last month. However, during a recent bullpen session, he began experiencing symptoms that worsened throughout the day, as reported by Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune. His absence is a significant blow to the Cubs, who currently hold the second National League Wild Card spot.
Before his injury, Brown was having an impressive season, boasting a 1.85 ERA and a 0.94 WHIP over 68 innings, along with 65 strikeouts. His performance suggested he could have been a vital asset for the Cubs as they push for a playoff berth. In his brief major league career spanning three seasons, Brown has accumulated a 4.15 ERA with 250 strikeouts in 229 2/3 innings, including a solid postseason appearance last year where he threw two scoreless innings.
Currently, the Cubs are facing challenges on the field, having lost six of their last ten games. Their recent series against the Cincinnati Reds saw them drop two of three games, adding to their struggles as they look to solidify their playoff position. With a record of 78-62, the Cubs are just one game behind the Philadelphia Phillies for the top Wild Card spot, but they trail the Brewers by nine games in the National League Central standings.
Following the conclusion of their series against the Brewers, the Cubs will head to Miami to take on the Marlins in a three-game series, which will be crucial for their postseason aspirations. The team will need to rally together in the absence of Brown and find ways to maintain their competitive edge as the season approaches its final stretch.
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