Overview

• Ben Brown has yielded 11 earned runs over 10 first innings this season, resulting in a 9.90 ERA in that frame.
• Manager Craig Counsell will start veteran reliever Drew Pomeranz on Saturday as an opener before handing the ball to Brown.
• Chicago’s starters rank 19th in baseball with a 4.06 ERA after Colin Rea’s recent six-run outing.
• On Thursday the Cubs signed left-hander Génesis Cabrera and designated righty Brooks Kriske for assignment to bolster the bullpen.
• The rotation remains stretched as Shota Imanaga and Javier Assad continue their recoveries on the injured list.