The Chicago Cubs provided encouraging injury updates on two key players Saturday as they continued their series against the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field.
Utility man Matt Shaw and right-hander Ben Brown both took meaningful steps forward in their recoveries, according to the latest information released by the team.
Shaw, who has been sidelined since late June with a left hand sprain, has ramped up his baseball activities in recent days.
“Has increased volume/intensity with his swinging and added hitting off a high-velocity machine Aug. 14-15. A Minor League rehab assignment could come in the upcoming week,” the update stated.
The 24-year-old is expected to return sometime this month or next, giving the Cubs a potential boost as they push for a playoff spot.
Shaw was selected in the first round of the 2023 draft out of Maryland and is in his second major league season, all with Chicago. Before the injury, he was batting .246 with 32 hits, four home runs, 20 RBIs, 20 runs and four stolen bases in 56 games. He has shown versatility this year, appearing at multiple positions including right field, second base and third base.
Manager Craig Counsell’s club has navigated several injuries throughout the season while remaining competitive in the National League Central.
Meanwhile, Brown advanced further in his throwing program after dealing with a stress reaction in his neck that landed him on the injured list in late June.
“Has advanced to bullpen sessions in his throwing program, including on Aug. 14 at Wrigley Field. Cubs have expressed confidence that Brown will rejoin the pitching staff this season,” the team reported.
The 26-year-old is projected to return next month and could provide valuable depth for a pitching staff that has dealt with its share of absences.
Brown, a 33rd-round pick in the 2017 draft, is in his third major league season with the Cubs. He posted a 4-2 record with a 1.85 ERA across 20 appearances before the injury interrupted his progress. The right-hander has shown promise both as a starter and in relief roles during his time in the organization.
The updates came on a day when the Cubs dropped an 8-4 decision to the Cardinals, evening the series at one game apiece heading into Sunday’s finale. Chicago entered the contest with a 72-52 record, sitting in second place in the NL Central after 124 games.
The Cubs have remained in the thick of the division race despite the absences of several contributors.
Shaw’s potential return would add another layer of flexibility to a roster that already features strong depth in the infield and outfield. His ability to play multiple positions has made him a valuable piece for Counsell when healthy.
Brown’s progress similarly offers hope for the pitching staff as the regular season enters its final stretch.
The Cubs host the Chicago White Sox on Monday after wrapping up the series against St. Louis.
Both players’ developments come at a critical juncture for a team that has posted a strong overall season. Shaw last appeared in a major league game on June 28, missing significant time while the organization monitored his recovery carefully. Brown’s neck issue required a more cautious approach, including a transfer to the 60-day injured list earlier this month.
Yet the latest reports signal that both are moving in the right direction and could contribute before the postseason arrives. The Cubs have expressed optimism about their ability to reintegrate the players without rushing the process.
Fans at Wrigley Field have watched the club battle through adversity while maintaining a winning record. Additional reinforcements like Shaw and Brown would further strengthen the group for the remaining schedule and any potential October run.
The organization continues to update the status of its injured players regularly as the season progresses. Shaw’s swing work off the high-velocity machine represents a notable milestone in his rehabilitation timeline. Brown’s bullpen session at the home ballpark marks his closest step yet toward rejoining the active roster.
Together, the positive notes provided a bright spot amid the loss to a division rival.
