There wasn’t really a big question about whether the Chicago Cubs would stretch Ben Brown out at the start of Spring Training, and even if there were, both Craig Counsell and Tommy Hottovy had indicated that it was happening. Maybe in the years ahead, the Cubs and Brown decide relief is the route to contributing in the big leagues, but while he’s still optionable, and while there’s still a chance he could break out as a starter, the Cubs want to leave that on the table.

Yesterday, Brown started that process of stretching out, throwing 30 pitches over 2.0 scoreless innings. He gave up a couple of hits, walked none, and struck out three. Exactly the kind of chill, efficient outing you like to see in the spring.

What was most interesting about the appearance, however, was Brown’s reliance on a third pitch.

Ben Brown Has a New New-Third-Pitch

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