Following a 9-2 beatdown from the Atlanta Braves, the Chicago Cubs informed the public regarding who will start on Thursday. When starters were originally announced prior to the series, Thursday was left as an open slot on the probable pitchers list. Now, that question has been answered.
According to manager Craig Counsell, RHP Ben Brown will get the start on Thursday. Although there was the possibility of a Jordan Wicks sighting, it appears Counsell would rather lean on Brown, who has been incredible, in the slot.
Brown has been pitching out of the bullpen for a few weeks now, meaning his length will likely be limited in the start. If Brown gets through three innings, that will be a best-case scenario.
With length in question for Brown, Kyle Hendricks might make his bullpen debut. Three innings from Brown and Hendricks, respectively, to bridge the game to the rest of the bullpen is a very likely scenario for Thursday’s game.
Brown owns a 3.57 ERA across 11 appearances this season. That number is largely inflated due to his debut. In April and May, he has a sub-2.20 ERA as both a starter and a bullpen arm.
Thursday’s series finale features a 1.20 p.m. CDT start with Brown and AJ Smith-Shawver on the bump for their respective clubs. Following the rubber match, the Cubs will venture to St. Louis to take on the Cardinals.