CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs are turning to a creative pitching strategy to help rookie right-hander Ben Brown overcome his ongoing first-inning struggles.
Manager Craig Counsell announced Friday that Drew Pomeranz will serve as an opener on Saturday in what would normally be Brown’s spot in the rotation. The decision comes after Brown’s continued difficulty early in games, particularly in the opening frame, where he holds a 9.90 ERA this season.
Brown has been roughed up in his last two outings, giving up 14 runs on 14 hits across nine innings in starts against the Marlins and Reds. Though he avoided the loss in both, the early damage limited the Cubs’ chances.
“I get so hyped to start that I lose sight of what I do best,” Brown said. “It becomes a mental hurdle — not being able to throw strikes. There’s just something different about the first inning that I’m learning to handle.”
The 25-year-old, who leans on a four-seam fastball and knuckle curve, has been working to incorporate a changeup into his mix and has been encouraged by the early progress.
By using Pomeranz — a veteran left-hander — to handle the top of the order, the Cubs hope to reduce the pressure on Brown and give him a better chance to settle into games. The move reflects a broader trend across baseball, where teams use openers to protect young pitchers and exploit matchups.
The Cubs, who lead the NL Central, are hoping the change sparks more consistent outings from Brown as he continues to develop into a reliable rotation piece.