Overview

• Manager Craig Counsell handed the first inning to reliever Drew Pomeranz as an opener to protect Brown’s 9.90 ERA in opening frames.
• Brown followed by delivering six scoreless innings to help seal Chicago’s 2-0 victory at Great American Ball Park.
• Chicago added left-hander Génesis Cabrera and designated Brooks Kriske for assignment to bolster bullpen depth.
• Ongoing injuries to Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga have stretched the Cubs’ rotation, prompting flexible opener usage.
• Brown has incorporated a changeup into his repertoire and focused on calmer first-inning routines as the staff seeks consistency.