MESA, Ariz. — After striking out five in 2⅔ innings last Tuesday against the Dodgers, Ben Brown has moved into strong consideration for the fifth spot in the Cubs’ rotation.
Brown, 25, who generated 14 swinging strikes among his 65 pitches, will start Tuesday against the Braves in the exhibition finale. Brown could get the nod to make his first start March 31 in Sacramento against the Athletics.
“[If] that’s the direction we go, that’s pretty good,” manager Craig Counsell said.
Before suffering a season-ending neck injury in mid-June, Brown showed glimpses of promise that prompted some observers to overhype him in a manner similar to a former Phillies prospect who later joined the Cubs — Ferguson Jenkins.
Brown pitched seven no-hit innings and struck out 10 on May 28 against the Brewers, throwing 64 strikes. But he allowed four hits, walked three and suffered the loss against the Dodgers in the season opener.
“I feel like if I could get back to a realm of competition where I was last year, I feel like I could pitch at any level or any position,” Brown said.
Colin Rea would move to the bullpen if Brown earns the fifth spot. Non-roster invitee Brad Keller will start Monday against the Braves.
Hoerner on track
One day after making his exhibition debut, second baseman Nico Hoerner is on track to be ready for Thursday’s opener.
“I think we’re still on track,” Counsell said one day after Hoerner went 0-for-3. “Everything was a positive sign.”
One of the biggest tests for Hoerner will be his arm strength after he underwent surgery in October to repair a right flexor tendon. The decision on whether Hoerner is ready might not be solely his.
“We’re trying to be collaborative here,” Counsell said.
Opening rounds
Lining up along the foul lines for the first two games of the regular season was merely a routine the Cubs will get accustomed to. They will open opponents’ home seasons at Arizona and Sacramento before returning to Wrigley for their home opener April 4.
“We’re the team of openers this year,” left fielder Ian Happ quipped.
Happ doesn’t mind playing the domestic opener in Arizona because many fans will stay after spring training in the Valley, where many Cubs fans already have moved permanently from the Chicago area.
And several Cubs players already have played at 14,000-seat Sutter Health Park as members of Triple-A Iowa. The Athletics plan to play their home games in Sacramento until their domed stadium in Las Vegas is completed.
“I know there’s a lot of demand for tickets,” Happ said. “I’ve seen some of the numbers on how much tickets you’re going for at those games. I think it’s awesome. I think that a packed house with 14,000 is going to feel like a really good environment to play baseball in.”
Miller to IL
Reliever Tyson Miller will be put on the 15-day injured list because of a left hip impingement. Counsell said Miller, who allowed nine runs, 10 hits and four walks in 4⅔ innings this spring, coped with discomfort last season. The lingering pain has affected his mechanics, his velocity and pitch shapes, Counsell said.