Cubs’ Counsell Pressures Brown After Loss to Phillies

Chicago Cubs pitcher Ben Brown gave up six runs in the fourth inning and lasted only 3.2 innings during a 10-4 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies, which snapped the Cubs' three-game win streak. Manager Craig Counsell stressed the need for longer outings from Brown and other starters, warning that frequent short starts will overtax the bullpen. Brown has completed five innings in only two of his six starts and currently owns a 6.04 ERA, despite showing strong strikeout potential. His inconsistency and inability to contain damage in tough innings are a growing concern for the rotation, particularly with Justin Steele sidelined long-term. Counsell acknowledged some positives but insisted on the need for starters to better handle adversity. With the trade deadline still months away, Brown and the rest of the rotation face mounting pressure to stabilize the team's pitching.