Introduction to the Cubs’ Fifth Starter

MESA, Ariz. — Manager Craig Counsell formally announced Tuesday that right-hander Ben Brown would be the fifth starter in the Cubs’ rotation.

Bringing a New Dimension to the Pitching Staff

Brown represents a different option for the Cubs, whose starting pitchers have struggled to get strikeouts. Cubs starters finished 25th in the majors last season in strikeout rate. But in 55⅓ innings in 2024, including eight starts, Brown had a strikeout rate of 32.5%, which would have been the highest among starters if he had been in the rotation all year.

Counsell’s Perspective on Brown’s Strengths

“This is just about being a good pitcher, and everybody does that a little differently,” Counsell said. “That’s certainly something Ben has shown is the ability to get swing-and-miss. Right now, that’s a little bit of his foundation, and [it] gets him out of some trouble.
“The rest of the game is where the development is left to happen. He’s been good this spring. I think he can get better, and he will as he keeps taking the ball.”

Recent Performance and Development

Brown went 4⅓ innings Tuesday, allowing two runs and six hits with four strikeouts in a 4-2 win over the Braves to end spring training. He felt comfortable throwing a changeup that he has added to his arsenal. And with two men on base in the first inning and two outs, he struck out Michael Harris II.

Overcoming Past Challenges

After a mysterious neck injury that kept him from making a start after June 8 last season, Brown, 25, is happy to have that behind him.
“I want to be reliable,” he said. “I’d love to just be able to just go out there every fifth or sixth day and make really good pitches.”

Rea at the Ready

Adding to their pitching depth in January, the Cubs signed versatile Colin Rea, who knows Counsell from their time together in Milwaukee. Although he’s starting the season in the bullpen, pitching injuries are common, and he’ll be available if needed.
“I think Colin Rea is going to make a lot of starts,” Counsell said. “This is [his] role to start with. The length from the bullpen is something we’re really going to need, especially the first two times through the rotation.
“We have some guys, because of the Japan trip, not completely stretched out like a normal spring training would have them. Then we have seven games in a row, like a lot of teams [have] to start the season, and that’s going to make Colin’s innings on a particular day really important.”

Other Updates

Brad Keller will be added to the 40-man roster. The Cubs were pleased with his improved velocity out of the bullpen and see him as a multi-inning reliever.
“Brad showed some trust and faith in the process to our ideas around how we can improve, so he’s excited,” Counsell said. “It’s definitely been one of the pleasant surprises this spring.”
• Second baseman Nico Hoerner is on track for Opening Day. He wasn’t on the trip to Japan, opting to stay in Arizona to continue his treatment after offseason surgery on his right forearm. The Cubs will err on the side of caution with Hoerner for the first month of the season and plan to give him some days off.

Conclusion

With Ben Brown as the fifth starter, the Cubs are looking to strengthen their pitching rotation. Brown’s ability to get strikeouts and his development of a changeup are key factors that will contribute to the team’s success. Additionally, the signing of Colin Rea and the improvement of Brad Keller add depth to the pitching staff. As the season progresses, the Cubs will be closely monitoring the performance of their pitchers and making adjustments as needed.

FAQs

Q: Who is the Cubs’ fifth starter?
A: Ben Brown is the Cubs’ fifth starter.
Q: What is Brown’s strength as a pitcher?
A: Brown’s strength is his ability to get swing-and-miss and his high strikeout rate.
Q: Who is the Cubs’ backup option for starting pitching?
A: Colin Rea is the Cubs’ backup option for starting pitching and will start the season in the bullpen.
Q: What is the status of Nico Hoerner for Opening Day?
A: Nico Hoerner is on track for Opening Day but will be given days off in the first month of the season as a precaution.