Ben Brown's rotation future hangs in balance as Cubs ace prepares for comeback

The Chicago Cubs are thinking about their starting pitchers because their best pitcher, Shota Imanaga, will soon return from a leg injury. Ben Brown, a 25-year-old pitcher, got the fifth starting spot during spring training.

But after a bad game against the Philadelphia Phillies, where he allowed six runs, his job is in danger. When Imanaga comes back, Brown might not stay in the starting lineup.

Ben Brown’s struggle with consistency

Ben Brown has had some great games and some tough ones as a Cubs starting pitcher this year. In his last game against the Phillies, he gave up six runs in less than six innings, making his season ERA 5.71 with 23 walks, the worst among Cubs starters. Before that, he pitched well against the Reds and Tigers, allowing just two runs in 13 innings.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Brown needs to throw better pitches to stop giving hitters easy chances. Brown has 85 strikeouts, which shows he can be good, but he struggles to control his pitches. His next game against the Milwaukee Brewers is a big chance to show he can stay a starter. If he doesn’t do well, the Cubs might take him out of the starting role when Imanaga is back.Also Read: "Fire these bums": MLB umpire blasted online for tossing Cubs players over one call

Shota Imanaga’s return adds pressure

Shota Imanaga coming back from his leg injury means Ben Brown has to pitch better to keep his spot.

Imanaga, who has a 2.22 ERA this season, started his rehab by striking out four batters in two innings in a minor league game. Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy said Imanaga needs two more rehab games and could return by late June. With other pitchers like Justin Steele and Javier Assad also hurt, the Cubs really need Imanaga.

Brown has pitched well against the Brewers before, with 14 strikeouts in 13 innings without allowing runs, but he must do it again soon.

If he doesn’t, the Cubs might put him in the bullpen. Another young pitcher, Cade Horton, is doing well in the minors, so the Cubs have choices. The team wants to make the playoffs, and Brown’s next games will decide if he stays a starter.The Cubs have had problems with their pitchers getting hurt this year, like Steele and Assad. Brown’s ability to strike out batters shows he could be great, but his bad games make the team worry about trusting him.

Counsell wants Brown to throw better pitches to stay in the starting lineup. The game against the Brewers is very important for Brown because a good game could help him keep his job. But with Imanaga coming back and Horton pitching well in the minors, the Cubs might change their lineup. Brown needs to throw strikes and avoid walks to prove he belongs. If he can’t pitch well, he might move to the bullpen, especially since the Cubs want to win a lot of games to reach the playoffs this season.