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CHGO Cubs Weekly: What should Ben Brown's role be?

April 22, 2024

Apr 9, 2024; San Diego, California, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Ben Brown (32) throws a pitch against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Hey there, Diehards!

The question posed in the headline isn't going away anytime soon. Not when the best iteration of the Cubs' rotation right now probably features Ben Brown versus having him come out of the bullpen.

In the four outings since the 24-year-old got blown up by the Texas Rangers in his major league debut on March 30, Brown has allowed just two runs over 16 2/3 innings (a 1.08 ERA), and opponents have just a .431 OPS. In the two games he's started, Brown has given up just one run across 10 2/3 innings (a 0.84 ERA) while hitters have just a .366 OPS.

It's easy to say Brown should remain in the rotation. He's looked strong in the opportunities he's received early in the ...