3 candidates to join Chicago Cubs starting rotation after Justin Steele injury

3. Ben Brown

If the Cubs want to avoid burning Wesneski's last major league call-up, they may opt to give a rookie like Ben Brown his first taste of the majors. At 24 years old, Brown is slated to be a starting pitcher for the Iowa Cubs this year, but the Cubs could expedite his arrival on the basis of his excellent Spring Training numbers. Brown tossed 14 innings this Spring with a 0.64 ERA and a 12/5 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He definitely needs more time to cook in Triple-A, but it may be better to build off his recent success and lean on him early because the team needs the firepower right now.

Steele joins Jameson Taillon and Caleb Kilian on the injured list, making the starting pitching depth look a bit thin at the moment. Calling up Brown doesn't mean you have to keep him here long-term with Taillon coming back soon. Brown is young and unseasoned, but this could be an opportunity to expose him to the majors and get more hands-on experience and knowledge from veterans. He is currently the second-best pitching prospect in the Cubs' farm system behind Cade Horton so it may be time for Jed Hoyer to unleash him.

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