Craig Counsell on Ben Brown's role for Cubs: 'Ben’s just going to pitch when we need him, where we need him, just get people out'

(670 The Score) Cubs rookie right-hander Ben Brown will continue to be used in a flexible manner by the club, manager Craig Counsell said Tuesday.

The 24-year-old Brown has made four starts among his eight appearances for the Cubs this season, and Counsell has shown trust in him. Brown has a 4.23 ERA in 27 2/3 innings. He was roughed up in his MLB debut, in which he allowed six runs, but has posted a 2.42 ERA in seven outings since then.

Brown hasn’t pitched since last Thursday, and his role now is a question because the Cubs got ace Justin Steele back in their starting rotation Monday.

“He could do both,” Counsell responded on the Parkins & Spiegel Show when asked if the plan is to use Brown as a “bulk guy” or a “high-leverage guy.” “Ben’s just going to pitch when we need him, where we need him, just get people out.

“We’ve been fortunate in what Ben and Hayden Wesneski have done and their flexibility. It just puts us back to kind of a full bullpen today.”

Counsell pointed out an advantage in Brown being used out of the bullpen and in a flexible role is that his innings can be limited as a rookie, but he also left the door open for Brown to return to the Cubs’ rotation if the need arises.

“He may be back in the rotation just based on need and where we’re at,” Counsell said.

"He's really just wanted to go in and get people out. That's your job, and he has fully embraced that and I think that has helped him be better at his job."