MESA, Ariz. — After putting out 5 in 2⅔ innings final Tuesday towards the Dodgers, Ben Brown has moved into robust consideration for the fifth spot within the Cubs’ rotation.
Brown, 25, who generated 14 swinging strikes amongst his 65 pitches, will begin Tuesday towards the Braves within the exhibition finale. Brown may get the nod to make his first begin March 31 in Sacramento towards the Athletics.
“[If] that’s the path we go, that’s fairly good,” supervisor Craig Counsell stated.
Earlier than struggling a season-ending neck damage in mid-June, Brown confirmed glimpses of promise that prompted some observers to overhype him in a fashion much like a former Phillies prospect who later joined the Cubs — Ferguson Jenkins.
Brown pitched seven no-hit innings and struck out 10 on Could 28 towards the Brewers, throwing 64 strikes. However he allowed 4 hits, walked three and suffered the loss towards the Dodgers within the season opener.
“I really feel like if I may get again to a realm of competitors the place I used to be final 12 months, I really feel like I may pitch at any degree or any place,” Brown stated.
Colin Rea would transfer to the bullpen if Brown earns the fifth spot. Non-roster invitee Brad Keller will begin Monday towards the Braves.
Hoerner on observe
In the future after making his exhibition debut, second baseman Nico Hoerner is on observe to be prepared for Thursday’s opener.
“I feel we’re nonetheless on observe,” Counsell stated in the future after Hoerner went 0-for-3. “Every thing was a optimistic signal.”
One of many greatest exams for Hoerner shall be his arm energy after he underwent surgical procedure in October to restore a proper flexor tendon. The choice on whether or not Hoerner is prepared may not be solely his.
“We’re making an attempt to be collaborative right here,” Counsell stated.
Opening rounds
Lining up alongside the foul strains for the primary two video games of the common season was merely a routine the Cubs will get accustomed to. They are going to open opponents’ residence seasons at Arizona and Sacramento earlier than returning to Wrigley for his or her residence opener April 4.
“We’re the group of openers this 12 months,” left fielder Ian Happ quipped.
Happ doesn’t thoughts enjoying the home opener in Arizona as a result of many followers will keep after spring coaching within the Valley, the place many Cubs followers have already got moved completely from the Chicago space.
And a number of other Cubs gamers have already got performed at 14,000-seat Sutter Well being Park as members of Triple-A Iowa. The Athletics plan to play their residence video games in Sacramento till their domed stadium in Las Vegas is accomplished.
“I do know there’s lots of demand for tickets,” Happ stated. “I’ve seen among the numbers on how a lot tickets you’re going for at these video games. I feel it’s superior. I feel {that a} packed home with 14,000 goes to really feel like a very good atmosphere to play baseball in.”
Miller to IL
Reliever Tyson Miller shall be placed on the 15-day injured record due to a left hip impingement. Counsell stated Miller, who allowed 9 runs, 10 hits and 4 walks in 4⅔ innings this spring, coped with discomfort final season. The lingering ache has affected his mechanics, his velocity and pitch shapes, Counsell stated.
