Ben Brown has earned his place in the Chicago Cubs’ starting rotation. Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reporters before Tuesday’s game against the Braves in Arizona, that Brown would be the club’s fifth starter for the 2025 campaign. 

Brown, 26, made his season debut out of the bullpen in Japan, coming on in relief of Shota Imanaga in the Cubs’ season opener, tossing 2.2 innings, allowing three runs (two earned) while walking three and striking out five.

[MORE: Cubs manager Craig Counsell shares Brad Keller, Ben Brown’s Opening Day status]

Brown joined the Marquee Broadcast team following his final outing of the spring and shared his excitement in getting the nod as the number five starter.

“To have this opportunity right [out] of the get-go is really awesome, but ultimately my approach doesn’t change, my routine doesn’t really change,” Brown said. “It’s going to be awesome though.”

Brown made his final start of spring in the 4-2 win over the Braves, firing 4.1 innings, allowing six hits and two runs, while fanning four and walking only one. Brown made his MLB debut in 2024, making 15 appearances with eight starts, recording a 3.58 ERA in 55.1 innings, striking out 64 compared to just 19 walks. His 2024 season was cut short due to a neck injury, sidelining him for the last four months of the season.

Brown, a former 33rd round pick of the Phillies in 2017, was acquired by the Cubs in 2022 in a trade for David Robertson. The 6-foot-6 inch right-handed hurler is expected to make his first turn in the rotation during the Cubs domestic season opening West Coast trip.

The Cubs open up their 2025 domestic slate in Arizona on Thursday, with the game starting at 9:10 p.m. and coverage beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Marquee Sports Network.