With the Chicago Cubs just two days away from resuming their regular season slate, the final roster is beginning to come into focus.

Manager Craig Counsell told reporters in Arizona on Tuesday that right-handed pitcher Brad Keller had been informed he’s making the team and righty Ben Brown will be the team’s fifth starter. Additionally, infielder Vidal Bruján is dealing with an elbow injury and could start the season on the IL.

Keller making the Opening Day roster isn’t a total surprise, he’s performed well in Cactus League play (3.86 ERA in 11.2 innings) and his fastball has touched the upper 90s. He’s been stretched out as a starter and should provide Counsell plenty of flexibility in his pitching staff as he can deploy him as a long man if needed and in short bursts. But the Cubs will have to create a spot on the 40-man roster – which could be dependent upon their final bench spot.

Bruján and Rule 5 pick Gage Workman are battling for the final spot on the position player side. Both were on the Opening Day roster last week in Japan, but with Nico Hoerner’s expected return, one will be the odd man out. If Bruján lands on the IL, they’d still need to create a 40-man spot for Keller. If not, the Cubs could part ways with Bruján and keep Workman or return Workman to Detroit, since he must be offered back to the Tigers before being taken off the 26-man roster.

With Brown in the rotation, that means Colin Rea also will start the year in the Cubs’ bullpen and is another bulk innings option for Counsell.

This spring, Brown has made two starts and has a 6.75 ERA in eight innings with nine strikeouts and a 1.75 WHIP. Last season was a bit of a breakthrough year for the 25-year-old. He made his big-league debut and posted a 3.58 ERA in 55.1 innings with a 1.08 WHIP. But he suffered a neck injury that ended his season early and dragged a bit into the offseason. Brown had a normal ramp-up this spring and performed well enough that the Cubs felt they wanted him to be their fifth starter.