Ben Brown

Added a sinker in spring training that's generating elite weak contact (4.0 Statcast runs above average). Tied 10th among all SP in fantasy points over his last five starts. At 27% owned he should be an emergency add in 14+ team leagues.

Moved from the Cubs' bullpen in early May after injuries to Matthew Boyd and Edward Cabrera. A new sinker has overhauled his arsenal and the results track across every metric — his ERA as a starter (1.73) is better than his already-excellent bullpen ERA. Available in most leagues after Saturday's gem; get him before Monday's wire.

Brown threw 6 IP / 7 K / 1 ER vs. the Pirates on Sunday and his 2.09 season ERA is fully validated. With Edward Cabrera on the IL (finger blister), Brown's rotation spot is locked. The curveball whiff rate (44%) is elite. Top-35 SP rest of season.

Pitcher List's top SP add. Brown is back in the Cubs' rotation with velocity gains and elite curveball metrics (.136 BAA). He's been a top-25 SP since making the conversion from bullpen back to starter. Rostered in less than a third of leagues. Top-35 SP rest of season.

Palencia (oblique) was closer, Thielbar filled in but now on IL too (hamstring). Five relievers on IL. Brown (2.37 ERA, 26% K rate) is next man up by default.

Started @ Pittsburgh Pirates (1W-2L, 2.09 ERA)

Started vs Milwaukee Brewers (1W-1L, 1.60 ERA)

Started @ Atlanta Braves (1W-1L, 1.82 ERA)

Started @ Texas Rangers (1W-1L, 2.10 ERA)