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Scouting Report
Updated May 19, 2026
Ben Brown, a 26-year-old Cubs right-hander, has been promoted from the bullpen to the starting rotation to replace injured Matthew Boyd (meniscus surgery, 6-week IL stint). Brown developed a sinker and changeup in the offseason to complement his elite fastball-curveball combination, addressing previous issues with predictability and pitch sequencing. In his first two starts, he has delivered dominant performances: 4 shutout innings on 45 pitches vs Texas Rangers (4 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 7 K) and 4 shutout innings on 65 pitches vs Atlanta Braves (4 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 7 K). Overall in May, Brown has a 0.82 ERA with a .057 opponent batting average across 4 appearances. His sinker has been particularly effective, holding batters to a .217 average with an 82.9 mph exit velocity. The Cubs are cautiously stretching him out as a starter while maintaining pitch count limits.
Strengths
- + Developed new pitch arsenal (sinker and changeup) addressing previous weaknesses
- + Dominant early rotation performance with back-to-back shutout starts
- + Excellent strikeout-to-walk ratio (34:10 K:BB in 33.2 innings overall)
- + Sinker inducing weak contact (.217 BA, 82.9 mph exit velo)
- + Strong May performance (0.82 ERA, .057 opponent BA)
- + Manager Craig Counsell expressing confidence in his ability to fill rotation role
- + Teammate Michael Busch praising his performance against quality lineups
- + Efficient pitch usage (45-65 pitches for 4 innings)
- + Positive attitude and willingness to embrace new role
About
Ben Brown is a sp for the Chicago Cubs.
Player Overview
SP
Chicago Cubs
Recent News
Chicago Cubs update: Alex Bregman, Ben Brown, Jacob Webb
May 18, 2026
Cubs 2, Braves 0: Ben Brown and the bullpen get the job done
May 15, 2026
Ha-Seong Kim went 0-for-3 with a strikeout as the Braves were shut out by Ben Brown and a pair of Cubs' relievers on Thursday evening.
May 15, 2026
Ben Brown delivered a dominant performance in a no-decision against the Braves on Thursday night, striking out seven batters over four shutout innings.
May 15, 2026
MLB trends: Ben Brown's new role, Luis Arraez's new skill and how Trevor Megill got his fastball back
May 13, 2026