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The release of the Chicago Cubs' NLDS roster saw a surprising change with Ben Brown being added to the roster in favor of left-handed relief pitcher Taylor Rogers. Rogers being removed from the roster isn't a complete surprise, considering his struggles since being added at the MLB trade deadline, but Brown's inclusion may have turned some heads.
Counsell met with reporters before Saturday's Game 1, and it seems that the Cubs were in favor of the matchup for Brown against the Brewers' lineup.
Craig Counsell explains the decision to carry Ben Brown on the Cubs' NLDS roster. pic.twitter.com/E1FBEiBWWE
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) October 4, 2025
Craig Counsell tells Cubs fans the truth behind his NLDS roster gamble
On the surface, it's been a bad 2025 season for Brown. In a tick over 106 innings pitched this season, Brown had an ERA of 5.92. When things have gone off the rails for Brown this season, it has looked ugly. There were frequent implosions during his time in the Cubs' rotation, and it ultimately led to the former top pitching prospect serving as an up-and-down arm for the pitching staff during the second half of the season.
The good news is that there are some numbers that back up the Cubs' decision to place Brown on the roster for their series against the Brewers. Striking out over 25% percent of the hitters he has faced this season, Brown is one of the best pitchers on the Cubs' staff in terms of swing-and-miss.
Beyond his ability to strike hitters out this season, Brown has been excellent against the Brewers this season. In 11 innings pitched against Milwaukee this season, Brown has only allowed 2 runs while striking out 9. Brown has given up 10 hits against Milwaukee, but only one of those has gone out of the ballpark. Pitching out of the bullpen this season, it would seem that the Brewers are an advantageous matchup for Brown. In other words, that would be why Brown made the roster over Javier Assad.
The other aspect is with off days mixed into this series, unlike their Wild Card series against the Padres, the Cubs can afford to keep a bulk arm like Brown in the bullpen over a specialist like Rogers. It's also not as if Rogers made a compelling case to be on the playoff, boasting a 5.09 ERA in 17 appearances with the Cubs during the closing months of the regular season.