Read two things this morning that make it sound like Ben Brown is going to be the 5th starter
- Colin Rea didn't leave with the rest of the team for Japan. He's arriving today, he stayed behind the extra few days to line up his throwing schedule. Brett at BN notes this lines him up to piggyback with Shota on Tuesday. Not impossible to get him back onto schedule from there, but feels noteworthy that his availability for length in the bullpen is being prioritized over being ready for a scheduled start against Arizona or the A's.
- Much more direct, Jeff Passan this AM said the Cubs are "seriously considering" giving Brown the 5th starter role
I feel MUCH better about this team with Brown in the 5 spot. That said it makes the roster management more complicated.