It was announced Monday night that young right-hander Ben Brown will be making his first career start tonight. The 24-year-old will be opposed in San Diego by all-star Joe Musgrove in game two of a three-game series. Brown has already made two appearances at the Major League level, but this will be his first opportunity to start a ball game in his young career. The East Setauket, NY native was acquired by the Cubs back in 2022, being the return in the David Robertson trade with the Phillies.
Ben Brown will start tomorrow for the #Cubs.
— Taylor McGregor (@Taylor_McGregor) April 9, 2024
Young Cub to Make First Career Start Tuesday
What Brown Has Shown So Far
One of the top pitching prospects in the Cubs organization made his Major League debut on March 30. Brown was called up after the team determined that Justin Steele needed to be placed on the IL with a hamstring injury.
Unfortunately for Brown, he got roughed up by a quite potent Ranger offense in his first-ever outing in the show. Brown allowed six runs on five hits in just an inning and two-thirds tossed. The righty walked two and punched out one in Arlington in just the second game of the 2024 season.
First career strikeout for Ben Brown! pic.twitter.com/TTcqqWl7do
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) March 31, 2024
When the Cubs made the trek back home to Chicago, it gave Brown another shot to show off his stuff. He was the first man out of the bullpen for manager Craig Counsell after Luke Little was used as an opener in the series finale on April 3 against Colorado. Brown got through four innings against the Rockies in his Wrigley Field debut. The former Philly farmhand allowed just one run on three hits while punching out five batters.
Ben Brown was outstanding tonight 😮💨
4 IP | 3 H | 1 ER | 1 BB | 5 K
(📸: @WatchMarquee) pic.twitter.com/dLMKIFS0tT
— Cubs Zone (@CubsZone) April 4, 2024
Help Needed
After the Cubs blew an 8-0 lead against the Padres in the series opener Monday night; this pitching staff needs a major pick-me-up. While Brown still gets his feet wet, the Cubs bullpen is off to a tough start. This means he needs to step up in a big way on Tuesday. In his brief outings so far, Brown has showcased that he’s stuff that can play at the Major League level. He will be put to the test Tuesday against an offense coming into the ball game with plenty of momentum.
Main Photo Credits: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
