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Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Monday that he's hopeful that Brown (neck) will be cleared to resume throwing off a mound at some point later this week, MLB.com reports.

Advice: Brown was placed on the 15-day injured list June 11 with a left neck strain, only for reports to surface a few days later suggesting that the right-hander might be dealing with a stress reaction. After the Cubs sought out multiple medical opinions, however, the original diagnosis of a neck strain has held up, and Brown was cleared to resume throwing last Tuesday. According to Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune, Brown played catch three times this past week and threw from 90 feet Friday, leaving Counsell optimistic that the rookie may be ready to take another meaningful step forward this week by getting back on the mound. Montemurro notes that Brown was told when he received his diagnosis that he was about one month into what's described as a "two-to-three-month burnout period" for the neck injury, though that timeline won't affect his potential return date from the IL and only relates to how long he might be physically feeling the effects of the injury. Assuming Brown is able to complete a bullpen session this week, he would still likely have a chance at completing his throwing progression and returning from the IL before the All-Star break. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 7:03 am

Waldron allowed two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out eight over six innings in a no-decision versus the Nationals on Monday.

Advice: Waldron rattled off his sixth straight quality start, and he's gone nine outings without allowing more than two runs. The run support wasn't there for him Monday, leaving him to take his fifth no-decision of the season. Waldron is at a 3.43 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 84:27 K:BB over 89.1 innings through 16 starts. The right-hander is projected to make his next start at Boston. Rotowire.com Monday, 10:17 pm

Severino (5-2) allowed three hits and struck out 10 without walking a batter over six scoreless innings to earn the win Sunday over the Cubs.

Advice: Severino was dealing, making a great rebound after getting touched up for six runs versus the Rangers in his last start. He's posted a quality start in four of his last six outings, allowing 14 runs (13 earned) with a 27:8 K:BB across 38.2 innings in that span. The right-hander is at a 3.29 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 71:31 K:BB through 90.1 innings across 15 starts, with Sunday's start being the fourth time he's avoided issuing a walk this season. Severino is projected to make his next start at home versus the Astros. Rotowire.com Sunday, 8:05 pm

Lively (7-3) allowed two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out four over 5.2 innings to earn the win over the Blue Jays on Saturday.

Advice: Lively bounced back from his shortest start of the year by getting back into the win column. He hasn't struck out more than five batters in any of his last five outings, but he's generally been good at limiting damage, as he's given up two or fewer runs in nine of his 12 starts. The right-hander is at a 3.03 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 56:20 K:BB through 65.1 innings this season, though he's also been tagged for 10 home runs, including two in Saturday's start. Lively is projected to make his next appearance at Kansas City. Rotowire.com Saturday, 6:57 pm