Scrambling Cubs bring back Ben Brown as deadline looms

As was hinted at on Sunday, the Chicago Cubs have recalled Ben Brown from Triple-A Iowa. While the initial speculation was that Brown would be the starting pitcher for the Cubs when they opened a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals on Monday, the honor will instead lie with Ryan Brasier as Craig Counsell goes for another opener for Jameson Taillon's spot in the rotation.

Brown was officially recalled from Triple-A Iowa on Monday afternoon. Ethan Roberts was optioned to Triple-A to make room for Brown on the 26-man roster.

It would seem likely that Brown will get a bulk appearance once Brasier exits the game on Monday night. The Cubs remain confident that Brown can be a member of their starting rotation in the seasons ahead. It would seem that won't be his role moving forward for the remainder of the season.

After Monday, Taillon's spot in the rotation will come up one more time before the deadline. In theory, Brown could make that start; however, it would seem that an opener will be used once again. Monday's start is the second time Taillon's spot has come up since his calf injury and the Cubs have used an opener each time.

It's no secret that the Cubs will add at least one starting pitcher ahead of the MLB trade deadline next week, and when they do, that pitcher will take over Taillon's spot in the rotation.

Pitching urgency leaves Cubs little choice but to recall Ben Brown

As for Brown, there doesn't appear to be a path back to the rotation for him by the end of the season, especially when you factor in the moves the Cubs are expected to make at the deadline. If he finds success in his latest stint at the Major League level, the Cubs could move Brown to the bullpen for the rest of the season, hoping that his swing-and-miss profile gives Counsell another out-getter late in games.

It's also possible this is only a temporary return for Brown. If the Cubs add two starting pitchers and a relief pitcher, chances are Brown will return to Triple-A Iowa while remaining stretched out as rotation insurance down the stretch.

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