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)