It's a tough ask for a rookie starting pitcher to assume a role in a World Series-caliber rotation. It comes with responsibility most have never faced in their life, much less career. There is also a level of expectation that comes from the fans, team, and front office externally.
But that is exactly what Hunter Brown has been asked to do for the Houston Astros. The departure of Justin Verlander to the New York Mets and Lance McCuller Jr.'s injured list stint to start the season has given Brown the opportunity to step into the role.
If he succeeds, he is likely the leading candidate for the American League Rookie of the Year award. Again, plenty of pressure and expectation.
On Monday night, Brown made his 2023 MLB season debut against the Detroit Tigers. On paper it was favorable and should have been a good way to ease into the season after finishing last season with a 0.89 ERA in 20.1 innings pitched in the regular season.
Instead, he met a road bump and allowed four earned runs in 4.2 innings pitched. He did strike out five, but he also issued three walks. So it goes with Brown.
Yet, despite the lackluster start, there is still plenty of room for optimism. No, he wasn't going to maintain a sub-1.00 ERA like he did last season. And no, he wasn't going to magically find his command and eliminate all of the walks.
But he has the talent to be successful at this level. He has a fastball that reaches the upper-90's and his offspeed stuff is beyond tantalizing.
He did have a slow start to the spring and he faced some back tightness. How much that affected, if at all, on Monday night remains to be seen.
But one thing is certain: Brown needs more time to adjust to his new role and relatively new environs.
He's special, he just needs time.
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