Ben Brown's usage during Cubs' Opening Day loss is telling of 2025 role

The Chicago Cubs dropped their 2025 Opening Day game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday morning. Playing in Japan, the Cubs fell to the Dodgers 3-1.

As with most Opening Day takeaways, there are bound to be outlandish takeaways and we are not here for them. Kyle Tucker failing to collect a hit on Tuesday does not mean that he has been a disappointment. Likewise, Matt Shaw isn't a bust because of a hitless day of his own.

The bright spot for the Cubs on Tuesday was Shota Imanaga. Imanaga pitched four no-hit innings but was pulled after throwing 69 pitchers and allowing four walks. If anything, the most telling aspect of the Cubs' loss to the Dodgers on Tuesday may have been how Craig Counsell used second-year pitcher Ben Brown.

Brown was the pitcher who replaced Imanaga, going 2.2 innings while giving up 3 runs (2 earned) on 4 hits and 3 walks. Brown struck out 5 Dodgers' hitters and that is indicative of the value that he may bring to the Cubs' starting rotation. From a swing-and-miss factor, Brown is arguably the best pitcher on the Cubs' staff outside of Imanaga.

Craig Counsell may have tipped his hand with Cubs' fifth starter decision

What was more telling is that despite the Cubs having an abundance of pitchers ready for these two games against the Dodgers, Craig Counsell let Brown pitch 65 pitchers. If anything, that is a sign that the Cubs may be ready for Brown to serve as a starting pitcher. While many pointed in the direction of Colin Rea being the Cubs' fifth starter in light of Javier Assad being placed on the IL, recent indications suggest the spot may go to Brown.

Given how the Cubs' schedule plays out, they won't really need a fifth starter during the first month of the season. Meaning that Brown could initially be used in a role similar to what we saw on Tuesday--pitching multiple innings per appearance out of the bullpen. Then, when the Cubs need a fifth starter, Brown will have already been stretched out.