Cubs right-hander Ben Brown underwent cervical spine surgery on Monday, general manager Carter Hawkins confirmed during his Tuesday media availability.
The procedure is intended to address the neck issues Brown has dealt with for several years, apparently beginning in 2024, when he missed the final three months of the season with what was initially identified as a neck strain.
After getting off to a fantastic start in 2026 (1.85 ERA, 0.94 WHIP), Brown was placed on the injured list with a similar injury on June 24. On this occasion, the Cubs were newly able to identify the issue as a bone stress reaction involving his C5 vertebra.
Despite an initial belief that he would return in 2026, Brown was shut down for the remainder of the year in early September as doctors determined more rest was needed.
If all goes to plan, the 27-year-old is expected to resume throwing early in 2027, and the Cubs are anticipating a return to game action in the first half of the season.