Cubs Recall Ben Brown, Shuffle Bullpen vs Royals

The Chicago Cubs have recalled right-handed pitcher Ben Brown from Triple-A Iowa and optioned Ethan Roberts to the minors as part of a roster adjustment ahead of Monday's game against the Kansas City Royals. Brown, who has posted a 6.13 ERA over 14 MLB starts and two relief appearances this season but recently allowed only one earned run over nine innings in Iowa, will serve in a bulk relief role behind opener Ryan Brasier. Brasier, making his first Cubs start this season, has been effective with a 1.04 ERA and 0.92 WHIP in 17.1 innings and is expected to pitch one or two innings. The roster moves and bullpen strategy come as the Cubs deal with injuries to starters Justin Steele and Jameson Taillon, making Brown a key stretched-out option for their pitching staff. This approach helps the Cubs manage rotation gaps and maintain pitcher freshness. The outcome may influence the Cubs' trade deadline decisions regarding starting and bullpen depth.