Ben Brown has given the Chicago Cubs exactly what they needed in rotation

Imagn Images

Ben Brown has given the Chicago Cubs exactly what they needed in rotation

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Tyler Koerth | Last updated May 26, 2026 8:28 PM ET

Chicago Cubs pitcher Ben Brown has now made three starts since returning to the rotation, a role that may be new for him this season but is far from unfamiliar overall. After thriving out of the bullpen earlier in the year, injuries forced Brown back into a starting role, and he has responded by steadily increasing his pitch count while continuing to produce effective results. That development has become especially important for the Cubs, whose pitching staff has continued to deal with additional injuries since Brown made the transition back to the rotation.

Ben Brown has given the Chicago Cubs exactly what they needed in starting rotation

May 25, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Ben Brown (32) throws a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the second inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

On May 14 against the Atlanta Braves, Brown made his first start of the season. With his workload still being monitored, Brown threw four scoreless innings with seven strikeouts while reaching what was then a season-high 65 pitches. He followed that outing with a five-inning performance against the Milwaukee Brewers in which his pitch count climbed to 82.

Most recently, Brown took the mound against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Memorial Day and delivered six innings of one-run baseball while striking out seven and throwing a new season-high 83 pitches. Altogether, since rejoining the rotation, Brown has logged 19 innings with a 1.89 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, .171 batting average against, and 23 strikeouts compared to just six walks.

Since re-entering the rotation, Brown has done exactly what the Cubs needed: provide stability, length, and consistent effectiveness while gradually building back up his workload. Each start has shown a clear step forward in stamina without sacrificing results. With injuries continuing to test Chicago’s pitching depth, Brown’s ability to settle into this role may end up being one of the most important developments going forward.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: