"With just three runs scored across the last 38 innings, this team is in need of a wake-up call. That might have to come after tonight, as we'll get into here in a bit, but they have the right man on the mound to ensure that even a little offense might be good enough. Of course, the same could have been said for Shota Imanaga last night. Ben Brown has given up only six earned runs over 12 relief appearances and one start, and four of those scores came in his first three outings."
"With only one earned run allowed over his last nine appearances, he's showing that he might have to stuff to work out of the rotation after all. The key has been the implementation of a sinker to a repertoire that had previously included a fastball, curve, and seldom-used changeup. Brown is getting by with a little more luck than you'd like, but a lot of that comes from doing a much better job of generating grounders. More of that tonight should at least give his lineup a puncher's chance."
"Of course, Brown's participation is going to be limited to around four innings tonight. Craig Counsell said that's all the Cubs were hoping for, though another sharp performance could see him go a little deeper before turning it over to the bullpen. Nico Hoerner is in his familiar spots, followed by Alex Bregman in his and Ian Happ moving up to third in the order with a southpaw going for the Braves."
"Seiya Suzuki assumes the DH duties, Matt Shaw gets his first start in four days and first in right since April 15, and Michael Busch is at first. Dansby Swanson handles short, Miguel Amaya returns to catch after resting a stiff back, and Pete Crow-Armstrong patrols center. It's never good when you drop the first two games of a series"
The Cubs have scored only three runs across the last 38 innings, creating an urgent need for improved offense. A recent losing skid shows the importance of building early momentum, since performance can turn quickly. Ben Brown has allowed six earned runs over 12 relief appearances and one start, with four runs coming in his first three outings. He has allowed one earned run over his last nine appearances, aided by adding a sinker to a repertoire that previously featured a fastball, curve, and rarely used changeup. The sinker helps generate more ground balls, giving the lineup a better chance. Brown is expected to pitch about four innings, with lineup adjustments including Nico Hoerner, Alex Bregman, Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki as DH, Matt Shaw, Michael Busch, Dansby Swanson, Miguel Amaya, and Pete Crow-Armstrong.
Read at Cubsinsider
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