The Chicago Cubs are set to begin the series finale of a three-game set against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, at 2:40 p.m. CDT on Wednesday.
The Cubs won the first game of the series 7-0 on Monday. The Diamondbacks won the second game 5-4 on Tuesday.
Before Wednesday’s game, Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell announced a brutal update on injured right-hander Ben Brown.
Chicago Cubs’ Craig Counsell Announces Rough Ben Brown News Before Diamondbacks Series Finale
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JUNE 19: Ben Brown #32 of the Chicago Cubs pitches during the second inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Wrigley Field on June 19, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
Via the Chicago Tribune’s Meghan Montemurro on X:
Not great news for Ben Brown & Cubs: Brown (stress reaction in neck) became symptomatic at end of his live BP yesterday and they worsened as day progressed.
It’s same issue as before. He’ll travel back with Cubs & be evaluated.
Counsell: “It’s gonna slow it down in some way.”
It’s same issue as before. He’ll travel back with Cubs & be evaluated.
Counsell: “It’s gonna slow it down in some way.”
Looking at Chicago Cubs RHP Ben Brown
GettySAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 27: Ben Brown #32 of the Chicago Cubs pitches during the sixth inning of a game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on April 27, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Brown has been on the injured list since June 24 with a neck strain.
Brown posted a 1.85 ERA with a 0.94 WHIP and 65 strikeouts in 68 innings across 20 outings (eight starts) this year before landing on the IL.
GettyMILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 04: Ben Brown #32 of the Chicago Cubs delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers during Game One of the National League Division Series at American Family Field on October 04, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
He threw 106 1/3 innings in 2025 and 55 1/3 innings in 2024.
In his three seasons in the majors, Brown has recorded a 4.15 ERA with 250 strikeouts over 229 2/3 innings. He threw two scoreless innings with three strikeouts in one postseason appearance last year.
Chicago Cubs Right Now
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – AUGUST 24: Michael Conforto #20 of the Chicago Cubs celebrates with teammates after hitting a two-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the sixth inning of the MLB game at Chase Field on August 24, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Cubs have lost six of their last 10 games.
Before the Diamondbacks series, Chicago lost two of three games to the Seattle Mariners.
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – AUGUST 25: Ian Happ #8 high fives teammate Michael Busch #29 of the Chicago Cubs after hitting a three run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the fourth inning at Chase Field on August 25, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
The Cubs are the first National League Wild Card team with a 76-57 record. They hold a three-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies, the second NL Wild Card team.
In the NL Central, Chicago is 5 1/2 games behind the first-place Milwaukee Brewers (81-51).
The Cubs are off on Thursday. On Friday, they will begin a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field.
Chicago Cubs Announce Brutal Ben Brown Update Before Diamondbacks Series Finale