Craig Counsell's tone says it all about Ben Brown’s struggles

Each time Craig Counsell reflects on a start made by Ben Brown, it sounds like the Chicago Cubs' manager is losing patience with the young starting pitcher. Entering his start against the Philadelphia Phillies, Brown appeared to have turned a corner from his early-season inconsistency. Over his last 13 innings pitched, prior to Wednesday, Brown had only given up 2 runs while striking out 16 hitters. That was not the version of Brown the Cubs got on Wednesday.

During the Cubs' 7-2 loss to the Phillies on Wednesday, Brown struggled with his execution, giving up 6 runs on 8 hits with 3 walks. After the game, Counsell offered an honest assessment of his pitcher's outing.

Craig Counsell's tone suggests a change is needed for Ben Brown

Counsell said what every Cubs fan has said in the past about Brown: there is no doubt that Brown has the stuff to be an effective starting pitcher at the Major League level. The issue comes down to his execution and command. Beyond that, Brown has struggled during the first inning of his starts. Wednesday was no different as the Phillies tallied 3 runs against Brown during the opening frame. The Cubs have used an opener for Brown's starts in the past, and if Counsell's tone is any indication, they may do so again.

That isn't exactly a ringing endorsement from Counsell. On the season, Brown now sits with a 5.71 ERA. There is no doubt that Brown's long-term future with the Cubs could still be as a member of their starting rotation; however, his struggles this season would suggest that the Cubs need to think about changing his role for 2025.

With Shota Imanaga inching closer to a return, Brown is appearing to be the logical candidate to move to the bullpen. Cade Horton has checked every box he's needed to during his initial run in the Cubs' rotation, leaving Brown as the odd man out once Imanaga is healthy.

Of course, that isn't the only change likely ahead for the Cubs' rotation. The Cubs are expected to target a frontline starting pitcher ahead of the Major League Baseball Trade Deadline. If they find one, it would seem that Colin Rea would be the pitcher joining Brown in the move to the bullpen.