Cubs manager Craig Counsell acknowledged Wednesday that Brown (neck) is unlikely to return from the 60-day injured list this season, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.
On the shelf since June 11 with a stress reaction in his neck, Brown resumed throwing shortly after landing on the IL, but he's been shut down on two occasions since then while continuing to experience lingering discomfort. The rookie right-hander remains at the Cubs' complex in Arizona for his rehab program, but he's not yet doing much pitching work and doesn't look like he'll be able to complete a throwing progression within the next month to put himself in position to join Chicago even as a relief option late in the season. Brown generated a 3.58 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 64:19 K:BB over 55.1 innings spanning 15 appearances (eight starts) this season prior to suffering the injury. He should be ready to go for spring training and will have a chance to stake claim to a rotation spot.