Cubs P Ben Brown recovering from cervical spine surgery

By Field Level Media Nov 10 (Field Level Media) – Chicago Cubs pitcher Ben Brown underwent successful cervical spine surgery Monday, ​according to multiple media reports. The operation ‌was reportedly a proactive procedure to address a neck issue that initially appeared in 2024 and reemerged in 2026, landing him on the injured list ‌in ​late June. He attempted ⁠to work his way ⁠back onto the mound but the neck pain shut his season down for good in August. The surgery involved Brown’s C5 ​vertebra, located in the middle of the neck area. The 27-year-old is reportedly expected ⁠to start a throwing ⁠progression early next year and ​return to game action at some point in ​the first half of the season. Multiple injuries ‌to the Cubs’ starting rotation last season moved Brown from a reliever role to that of a starter, where he thrived ⁠in eight starts before the neck issues resurfaced. He finished the season with a 4-2 record, one ⁠save and ‌a 1.85 ERA in 68 total ⁠innings, including 42 1/3 as ​a ‌starter. A 2017 draft pick by the ​Philadelphia ⁠Phillies, Brown has a career record of 10-13 with a 4.15 ERA and two saves in 60 appearances (31 starts) since making his major league debut with the Cubs in 2024. (–Field ​Level Media)