Cubs' Tommy Hottovy: Ben Brown 'is just a really good pitcher'

(670 The Score) Cubs rookie right-hander Ben Brown has proved to be one of the team’s most valuable pitchers this season despite a having a fluctuating role.

On Tuesday, Brown threw seven no-hit innings in the Cubs’ 6-3 win over the Brewers in 10 innings in Milwaukee, which lowered his ERA to 2.72 this season. Brown has made six starts and also seven appearances out of the bullpen, with his versatility becoming an asset as the Cubs have managed injuries to their pitching staff.

Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy praised Brown’s work and believes his abilities as both a starter and reliever are important for the team.

“He’s just a really good pitcher,” Hottovy told the Mully & Haugh Show on Wednesday morning. “You see anytime you put him in the game, in different situations, he just shines. We talk about young guys coming up all the time. I do think getting them to come into the game out of the bullpen and be available out there in shorter bursts gives them a little bit of a softer landing to feel what the big leagues are like, how important it is to know how good your stuff is and trust it and attack the strike zone. And then you see him kind of take that into starting, and it carries over.

“You saw him last night just basically come right at a team with two pitches, stay on the attack the entire game and not back down from anything. And that’s something that a lot of young guys learn coming out of the bullpen early when they come up. I think Ben Brown can do whatever he wants to do.”

The Cubs and Brewers square off again Wednesday in the third game of their four-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 from American Family Field. The game can be heard on 670 The Score or by downloading the Audacy app and searching for 670 The Score.