Overview
- Chicago manager Craig Counsell confirmed Wednesday that Brown reported neck symptoms late in a live bullpen/bridge-league session Tuesday in Arizona and that the symptoms worsened through the day.
- Brown threw a 34-pitch appearance during the session and will fly back with the team to Chicago for further medical evaluation before any rehab assignment proceeds.
- The planned progression from live BP to a minor-league rehab stint is on hold while doctors assess the recurrence, which delays his path back to the major-league roster.
- Brown had been one of the Cubs’ best arms this season, posting a 1.85 ERA in 20 outings with eight starts before landing on the injured list in mid-June with a neck stress reaction.
- The club must now reassess its late-season and postseason pitching plans because coverage indicates Brown is unlikely to be available until after doctors clarify the injury and timeline.