Cubs manager Craig Counsell acknowledged Wednesday that Brown (neck) is unlikely to return from the 60-day injured list this season, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.
On the shelf since June 11 with a stress reaction in his neck, Brown resumed throwing shortly after landing on the IL, but he's been shut down on two occasions since then while continuing to experience lingering discomfort. The rookie right-hander remains at the Cubs' complex in Arizona for his rehab program, but he's not yet doing much pitching work and doesn't look like he'll be able to complete a throwing progression within the next month to put himself in position to join Chicago even as a relief option late in the season. Brown generated a 3.58 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 64:19 K:BB over 55.1 innings spanning 15 appearances (eight starts) this season prior to suffering the injury. He should be ready to go for spring training and will have a chance to stake claim to a rotation spot.
Manager Craig Counsell said Monday that Brown (neck) has been shut down from throwing "for the time being," Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Brown continues to experience lingering discomfort in his neck that has kept him on the injured list since June 11. Counsell did note that the situation is not season-ending, and he expressed confidence that rest will be enough for Brown to recover, per Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune.
The Cubs transferred Brown (neck) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list Friday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.
The move frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for Christian Bethancourt. Brown now isn't eligible for activation until mid-August, but he hadn't seemed likely to return before then.
