MESA, Ariz. — Supervisor Craig Counsell formally introduced Tuesday that right-hander Ben Brown could be the fifth starter within the Cubs’ rotation.
Brown represents a unique possibility for the Cubs, whose beginning pitchers have struggled to get strikeouts. Cubs starters completed twenty fifth within the majors final season in strikeout charge. However in 55⅓ innings in 2024, together with eight begins, Brown had a strikeout charge of 32.5%, which might have been the very best amongst starters if he had been within the rotation all 12 months.
“That is nearly being a superb pitcher, and everyone does that slightly in a different way,” Counsell stated. “That’s actually one thing Ben has proven is the flexibility to get swing-and-miss. Proper now, that’s slightly little bit of his basis, and [it] will get him out of some hassle.
“The remainder of the sport is the place the event is left to occur. He’s been good this spring. I feel he can get higher, and he’ll as he retains taking the ball.”
Brown went 4⅓ innings Tuesday, permitting two runs and 6 hits with 4 strikeouts in a 4-2 win over the Braves to finish spring coaching. He felt comfy throwing a changeup that he has added to his arsenal. And with two males on base within the first inning and two outs, he struck out Michael Harris II.
After a mysterious neck harm that saved him from making a begin after June 8 final season, Brown, 25, is joyful to have that behind him.
“I wish to be dependable,” he stated. “I’d love to only be capable to simply go on the market each fifth or sixth day and make actually good pitches.”
Rea on the prepared
Including to their pitching depth in January, the Cubs signed versatile Colin Rea, who is aware of Counsell from their time collectively in Milwaukee. Though he’s beginning the season within the bullpen, pitching accidents are frequent, and he’ll be out there if wanted.
“I feel Colin Rea goes to make a whole lot of begins,” Counsell stated. “That is [his] position to start out with. The size from the bullpen is one thing we’re actually going to want, particularly the primary two occasions by way of the rotation.
“We’ve some guys, due to the Japan journey, not fully stretched out like a standard spring coaching would have them. Then we have now seven video games in a row, like a whole lot of groups [have] to start out the season, and that’s going to make Colin’s innings on a selected day actually essential.”
Different updates
Brad Keller can be added to the 40-man roster. The Cubs have been happy along with his improved velocity out of the bullpen and see him as a multi-inning reliever.
“Brad confirmed some belief and religion within the course of to our concepts round how we are able to enhance, so he’s excited,” Counsell stated. “It’s undoubtedly been one of many nice surprises this spring.”
• Second baseman Nico Hoerner is on observe for Opening Day. He wasn’t on the journey to Japan, opting to remain in Arizona to proceed his remedy after offseason surgical procedure on his proper forearm. The Cubs will err on the facet of warning with Hoerner for the primary month of the season and plan to provide him some days off.
