Chicago Cubs rookie right-hander Ben Brown (neck) remains at the team's spring training complex in Arizona and still hasn't done anything pitching-wise. Manager Craig Counsell said it's not likely that Brown will be back the rest of the season. Brown last appeared in a game for the Cubs way back on June 8 and was then placed on the injured list on June 11 with a stress reaction in his neck. The 24-year-old has already been shut down two separate times from his throwing program and will likely be shut down as he looks to get fully healthy for next season. After going 1-3 with a 3.58 ERA (3.11 FIP), a 1.08 WHIP and a 64:19 K:BB in 55 1/3 innings over his first 15 big-league appearances (eight starts), Brown should at least be in contention for a starting role going into spring training next year if he's recovered from his neck issues.

San Francisco Giants manager Bob Melvin said he expects catcher Patrick Bailey (oblique) to come off the 10-day injured list when he's first eligible on Thursday. An oblique strain has kept Bailey out of action since Aug. 18, but he should return as San Fran's primary backstop on Thursday. Veteran Curt Casali will then go back to being the Giants' backup at the position, although he could see more playing time if Bailey continues to struggle like he was before his injury. Before his oblique injury, the 25-year-old switch-hitter had gone just 3-for-57 (.053) with a double, two RBI and 14 strikeouts in his previous 16 games played. The poor stretch knocked his season slash line down to .233/.299/.344 with a weak .642 OPS to go along with seven home runs, 38 RBI and 37 runs scored on the year. It's been an uninspiring season for Bailey.

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder/designated hitter Andrew McCutchen (knee) recently got through a full workout that included running the bases. McCutchen thinks he's ready for a return, and the team is discussing a plan for his next step. The 37-year-old veteran is already eligible to come off the 10-day injured list, but the Pirates may want to send him on a short minor-league rehab assignment first. The Bucs have fallen firmly out of playoff contention at this point, so there's no reason to rush the aging outfielder back onto the field. He's been sidelined since the middle of August with inflammation in his left knee. The former MVP has managed to produce modest power yet again in 2024 with 16 home runs and 40 runs driven in with an above-average .741 OPS in 101 games played in his 16th year in the big leagues.

Pittsburgh Pirates left-hander Marco Gonzales (elbow) will undergo surgery to fix a flexor tendon in his left elbow in September and is expected to have a recovery timetable of nine to 12 months. It's bad news for a 32-year-old who already had surgery on the same elbow for a nerve issue last August. Gonzales was actually ready on time for the start of the 2024 season but predictably underwhelmed in his seven starts, going 1-1 with a 4.54 ERA (4.71 FIP), a 1.60 WHIP and a very weak 15.2% strikeout rate in just 33 2/3 innings pitched on the season. He's most likely going to miss at least the first half of the 2025 campaign and will be a free agent this fall once the Pirates turn down his $15 million club option. Gonzales probably isn't going to have many suitors this winter and will need to prove his health next summer before probably having to settle for a minor-league deal somewhere.

Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Rowdy Tellez (undisclosed) was forced from Wednesday's loss to the division-rival Chicago Cubs at PNC Park early due to an undisclosed injury in the eighth inning. Before departing the 14-10 loss, Tellez had a strong day at the plate, going 3-for-5 with two RBI and a run scored. Tellez likely injured himself running to first base in the bottom of the seventh inning, but there is no word on the specific nature of his injury. The good news is Pittsburgh has an off day on Thursday, so if the 29-year-old's injury isn't serious, he could be back in action for Friday's series opener at Progressive Field against the Cleveland Guardians. If Tellez misses extended time with whatever is ailing him, Connor Joe, who replaced Tellez at first base on Wednesday, would benefit from extra playing time at the position.