Chicago Cubs right-handed pitcher Ben Brown has been out for a few months due to a stress reaction in his neck. ^[1] On September 3, 2026, Cubs manager Craig Counsell informed reporters that Ben Brown will not be able to make it back in the remainder of the season. ^[2] Ben Brown, an ag economist with the University of Missouri Extension, stated that corn and soybean exports ended the previous marketing year with relatively strong performance. ^[3] Ben Brown is suffering from a stress reaction in the C5 vertebra of his neck, which initially landed him on the injured list on June 24, 2026. ^[4] Brown reported feeling discomfort in his neck again after a two-inning bridge game in Arizona on August 25, 2026, which led the Cubs to halt his comeback attempt. ^[5] Craig Counsell stated that Brown's injury requires an extended period of rest and that there is not enough healing to allow the discomfort to go away for a return this year. ^[6] Ben Brown reported that the demand for corn was record large during the old crop marketing year. ^[7] Ben Brown said that Chinese buyers purchased 12 million metric tons of soybeans over the winter months. ^[8] Ben Brown stated that soybean exports rebounded from a rough start during the old crop marketing year. ^[9] The Chicago Cubs are currently second in the National League Central division with a record of 78-61. ^[10] The Chicago Cubs have allowed more home runs than any other team in Major League Baseball this season. ^[11] The Milwaukee Brewers have opened a 9.0-game lead over the Cubs in the NL Central standings. ^[12]