As expected, Chicago Cubs pitcher Ben Brown has been recalled from Triple-A Iowa ahead of the series opener against the Kansas City Royals.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell had indicated Sunday that the team planned to recall Brown after a successful stint in Des Moines, and that roster move was made official ahead of Monday’s game.
In a corresponding roster move, the Cubs have sent pitcher Ethan Roberts back to Iowa.
Brown was demoted to Iowa in late June after giving up eight runs in five innings against the St. Louis Cardinals. He has struggled at times this season, sporting a 4-6 record and a 6.13 ERA in 16 total appearances, including 14 starts.
He had a solid run in Iowa in recent weeks, with a 1-0 record, a 1.00 ERA and five strikeouts in nine innings of work.
Brown will likely pitch on Monday against the Royals, but he will not be making the start. Instead, the team plans to have reliever Ryan Brasier serve as an opener in the game, which will get underway at 7:05 p.m.
Roberts has appeared in 10 games for the Cubs this season, with a 1-0 record and a 6.00 ERA in nine innings. He pitched 0.2 innings against the Boston Red Sox on Sunday, giving up two hits, including a home run.