What's Happening?
Ben Brown, a relief pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, faced difficulties during his recent appearance against the Atlanta Braves. Brown allowed two runs on a hit and two walks over 1.1 innings, resulting in a loss for the Cubs. Despite striking out three batters, Brown's performance was marred by wild pitches and walks, which contributed to his struggles. Drew Pomeranz, who followed Brown, allowed both inherited runners to score with a three-run home run. Brown's season has been inconsistent, as evidenced by his 5.98 ERA and 1.45 WHIP across 105.1 innings, despite a strong strikeout rate of 10.2 K/9.
Why It's Important?
Brown's inconsistent performance highlights the challenges faced by the Cubs' bullpen, which has been a critical factor in the team's overall success. His ability to strike out batters is promising, but the lack of control and consistency can undermine the team's efforts to secure wins. The Cubs' management may need to reassess their bullpen strategy and consider adjustments to improve reliability in relief situations. Brown's struggles could impact his future role and opportunities within the team, as they seek to optimize their pitching staff.
What's Next?
The Cubs will likely evaluate Brown's performance and consider potential changes to their bullpen lineup. Brown may need to focus on improving his control and reducing walks and wild pitches to enhance his effectiveness as a relief pitcher. The coaching staff might explore additional training or adjustments to help Brown regain consistency. The team's upcoming games will be crucial in determining Brown's role and contributions moving forward.
