Thanks to a number of developments in his game – most notably, an outstanding sinker that he learned from (now-teammate) Clay Holmes – Ben Brown exited Spring Training one of the most effective Cubs pitchers on staff. Initially, he pitched in multi-inning relief, and he dominated.
Then, when multiple openings in the rotation afforded the opportunity, he began starting. And, again, he dominated.
Although Brown didn’t get much run as a single-inning guy (why use him that way when he was so good in multiple innings and starts?), but I think it’s safe to assume he would’ve been great in that role, too.
That is to say, Brown was dominant this season in a variety of roles, and, once he is healthy, there isn’t necessarily a reason to presume he could succeed only in one role or the other. The timeline for his ramp up following the stress reaction in his neck might mean 6+ inning starts aren’t realistic, but then again, you don’t necessarily NEED 6+ inning starts with this particular group of pitchers (and after rosters expand, and especially in the postseason).
So, consider me unsurprised that Craig Counsell isn’t going to get into any kind of particulars about what role Brown may or may not serve if he’s able to return this season.
“The goal is for him to pitch and be healthy,” Counsell said, per The Athletic. “And then figure out what’s the date here, how much does he need to pitch not in the major leagues to feel like he’s ready to pitch in the major leagues and then make a decision. The build-up in terms of innings is less important than that. Let’s get a healthy player and then figure out what he can do.”
In other words, there’s not much sense in making any predictions about the role when we haven’t even seen how long it’ll take him to ramp up against hitters. That’s especially true when it’s a guy who has very recently succeeded in multiple roles, and when it’s a situation where literally any innings he gives you (if he’s as good as he was) are going to be valuable.
All that said, I just want to allow myself a moment to be VERY TENTATIVELY excited: no one is yet ruling out the possibility that Brown could return as a short-burst starting pitcher. Consider that, with Justin Steele, the Cubs were pretty quick to say loudly that, if he comes back at all, it’ll be in relief. With Brown, the Cubs aren’t saying that, even though Craig Counsell and Jed Hoyer both had opportunities this week to do so. It doesn’t mean Brown can get to that 60-70 pitch level where you might consider starting him (hoping for 4 or 5 innings), but it does suggest the Cubs think it’s at least plausible.
In the meantime, Ben Brown faces a “big step” tomorrow in Arizona, when he’ll face live hitters for the first time in his recovery process.
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