If he can limit walks, this Triple-A reliever could be a surprise weapon for the Cubs

Ben Brown spelled the Chicago Cubs bullpen in Saturday night's win in St. Louis, firing seven innings of one-run ball, but Craig Counsell and Jed Hoyer are always thinking about the depth chart and who might be the next man up to breathe life into a staff that ranks 21st in the league in ERA this month.

The biggest problems (Phil Maton aside) have been in the starting rotation, but that doesn't mean relief depth isn't a topic of conversation, as well. And, if this recent stretch from right-hander Gavin Hollowell is any indication, he could be back in Chicago sooner rather than later.

Hollowell has been brilliant, firing 10 innings without allowing an earned run, punching out 13 and allowing just two hits. The walks, which have always been his biggest issue, haven't gone away, but he's worked around them to keep opponents off the board. On the year, the 28-year-old owns a 1.23 ERA in a dozen appearances, with an especially impressive 3.1 H/9.

Cubs fans are probably loosely familiar with Hollowell; he's made a handful of appearances with the big-league club over the last three seasons, but hasn't been especially effective with 11 walks to 12 strikeouts in 12 1/3 innings of work.

An injury is probably the only way Gavin Hollowell joins the Cubs soon

Looking at the Chicago bullpen picture, there's honestly quite a bit to like. Ethan Roberts has been brilliant lately (0.60 ERA, 11 appearances), slotting in nicely to the spot vacated by Brown when he slid into the starting rotation.

Daniel Palencia, Hoby Milner, Jacob Webb and Trent Thornton all carry sub-2.55 ERAs entering Sunday and Ryan Rolison and Caleb Thielbar have both been solid, as well. As I mentioned, the lone (glaring) weak spot is Maton. While the Cubs aren't about to cut bait there, a phantom IL stint doesn't seem like the worst idea in the world as they attempt to figure out the right-hander's issues.

If they make such a move (or if someone else unexpectedly hits the injured list), Hollowell seems like a top candidate to join the Cubs' pen. He's certainly proven himself at Iowa this year and it shouldn't surprise anyone if he gets another look at the big-league level soon.

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