Chicago Cubs Consider Unusual Strategy to Improve Ben Brown’s Performance
The young prospect of the Chicago Cubs, Ben Brown, has faced difficulties in the first inning of his recent starts. In an attempt to solve this problem, the team could implement an uncommon strategy.Manager Craig Counsell has suggested the possibility of using an opener on Saturday, in Brown’s regular turn in the rotation. This decision will depend on the performance in Friday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds.
Brown has been punished in his last two outings, allowing 14 runs and 14 hits in nine innings, without getting a decision in the games against Miami and Cincinnati. His ERA in the first inning this season is 9.90.
The 25-year-old pitcher has been working with coaches to improve his performance at the start of games. Brown relies on his four-seam fastball and his knuckle curve. In addition, he has been working on adding a changeup to his repertoire, showing optimism for the results obtained.“I get so emotional, I’m so eager to pitch that I lose sight of what I do best,” Brown commented. “It’s like a mental problem, not being able to throw strikes. There’s a real dynamic in the first inning of baseball games that’s different from other innings.”
Ben Brown
Brown was acquired in a trade in August 2022 with Philadelphia. He debuted in the Major Leagues last year, with a 1-3 record and a 3.58 ERA in eight starts and seven relief appearances with the Cubs.“I think the changeup is going to be something I continue to use more and more,” he said. “In my bullpen sessions, I feel very comfortable. I think that’s going to be very important.”
Ben Brown
In his last start against the Reds, Brown walked the first two batters, allowing four runs in the first inning, even though the team had a 2-0 lead.
Counsell also has another left-handed pitcher in the bullpen for the matchup with Cincinnati, following the signing of Genesis Cabrera on Thursday. Right-handed pitcher Brooks Kriske was designated for assignment. Cabrera, 28, had a 0-0 record and a 3.52 ERA in six appearances with the New York Mets before being designated for assignment last weekend. “I think we’re trying to add depth and gradually improve,” Counsell said. “I think we’re going through a stretch of the season right now where I think left-handed pitchers are going to help.” Cabrera, originally from the Dominican Republic, has a record of 17-14 with an ERA of 3.88 in seven seasons in the Major Leagues, also playing for St. Louis and Toronto.“I think there are things that Ben can do better,” Counsell commented. “When you use an opener for a starting pitcher, you’re trying to get a better solution in the first inning and then you’re probably trying to get a better solution as you get to the back end of the appearance, with hitters 19 through 25 or something like that.”
Craig Counsell
“I like to compete,” Cabrera said through a translator. “In fact, I can get into any situation. High-risk or in any inning, anything like that. I am a competitor.”
Génesis Cabrera
