On Sunday, Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell faced heavy criticism for keeping Colin Rea on the mound until the starting pitcher surrendered seven earned runs in a 14-6 loss to the Seattle Mariners.
On Monday, Counsell faced some heat for resting first baseman Michael Busch, batting Dansby Swanson at cleanup, and starting Ben Brown to start a crucial four-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals, who sit 4.5 games back from the Cubs for first place in the NL Central.
The Chicago Cubs have another bad outing
MLB: Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati Reds Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Ben Brown (32) pitches against the Cincinnati Reds in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
Counsell sent Brown a warning following his performance on June 11 when he gave up six runs in a 7-2 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. On Monday, the right-hander gave up nine hits and eight earned runs in five innings of work against the Cardinals.
Brown, 25, entered the contest with a 5.57 ERA.
Cubs fans want Ben Brown in Iowa
MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers at Chicago Cubs Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Ben Brown (32) (right) celebrates with catcher Miguel Amaya (9) (left) after stirking out Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) (not pictured) in the sixth inning during the Tokyo Series at Tokyo Dome. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Fans on social media demanded Brown be sent to Iowa after another lousy outing.
“It seemed possible to begin with, but have to think Ben Brown is going to Iowa to try to improve with a third+ pitch and general “pitching” execution. Such a thin margin at this level and he really pays for his mistakes, while having clear flashes too,” wrote a fan.
“Time for Ben Brown to head back to Iowa. Good velocity & decent curveball, but can’t locate his pitches & loses focus during innings. Cubs have to make a roster move when Shota is activated. Let Brown work on his issues in Triple A,” posted another.
“Brown: Nice guy, nice hair, bad pitcher. Sorry bud but at least Des Moines is nice this time of year,” suggested a poster.
“Brown stinks. Been bad, stayed bad. Hard to be a successful starter with only 2 pitches. Needs a reset at Iowa to develop another pitch or become an asset in the bullpen,” argued a fan.
“Brown needs to be on the first flight to Iowa after this game,” commented a fan.
“brown experiment needs a time out, bullpen or Iowa,” posted another.
