Photo: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Cubs Option Ben Brown to Triple-A Iowa, Porter Hodge Activated Off IL

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Ron Luce | Last updated Jun 24, 2025 6:51 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs have watched their division lead tighten up after a loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday night. Just 3.5 games separate the Cubs and their rivals, the Milwaukee Brewers and Cardinals, from the top of the NL Central. Now is the time for action, and the Cubs are seemingly taking care of some business.

Outside of the organization, it appears the Cubs are getting aggressive in their search for a starting pitcher to effectively replace Justin Steele in the rotation. However, with Shota Imanaga's return on the horizon, someone had to vacate the rotation. After Monday's loss, Ben Brown made the decision very easy.

On Tuesday, Brown was optioned to Triple-A Iowa. The Cubs clearly believe he needs to get right, and they can't afford patience with him at the MLB level. Taking his place is Porter Hodge, who was activated off the injured list as a part of the transaction.

The Cubs optioned Ben Brown to Triple-A Iowa.

Porter Hodge has been activated off the IL. pic.twitter.com/yPFQyN7RoZ
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) June 24, 2025

Brown owns a 6.13 ERA over 16 appearances (14 starts) with the Cubs in 2025. Although there were moments of brilliance for the 25-year-old hurler, there were too many inconsistencies to justify his place in the current rotation. One of Brown's biggest critiques as a starter is the lack of a third pitch, and perhaps he can begin working on something down in Iowa for the future. Otherwise, his future may be in the bullpen.

Speaking of the bullpen, Porter Hodge has retuned from the injured list and will re-join the Cubs' pen in St. Louis. Hodge's numbers haven't been spectacular in 2025, but the 2024 version was enough to give him another chance. Perhaps the injury that sidelined him is part of the reason for his early-season struggles. Nonetheless, the Cubs get another big arm back in the bullpen for the upcoming stretch run following the All-Star break.

The Cubs and Cardinals battle once again at 6:45 p.m. CT on Tuesday from St. Louis. Jameson Taillon duels against Michael McGreevy in this matchup.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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