A Tactical Shift for Immediate Relief

In a bid to address Ben Brown's persistent first-inning struggles, the Chicago Cubs turned to an unconventional strategy during their Saturday matchup against the Cincinnati Reds. By using left-handed reliever Drew Pomeranz as an "opener," the team aimed to stabilize Brown's performance early in games. This approach mirrors the Tampa Bay Rays' groundbreaking use of openers in 2018, reflecting manager Craig Counsell’s adaptive mindset amid injuries to key pitchers like Justin Steele and Shōta Imanaga.

The Opener’s Role and Pomeranz’s Impact

Why Pomeranz?

Pomeranz, 36, has been a revelation since joining the Cubs in April, posting a 0.00 ERA over 12.2 innings with 14 strikeouts and a 0.55 WHIP. His ability to neutralize left-handed hitters made him ideal to face the Reds’ potent lineup, including Elly De La Cruz, before handing the ball to Brown. Openers often exploit a statistical edge: first-inning batters historically perform better against fresh pitchers, so deploying Pomeranz aimed to reduce early pressure on Brown.

Brown’s Struggles and Path to Redemption

A "Jekyll and Hyde" Performance

Brown’s 2025 Season has been marked by inconsistency. While he logged seven no-hit innings against the Brewers in 2024, this year he’s surrendered runs in half his starts—particularly in the first inning (6.38 ERA). However, he often finds rhythm later, as seen when he retired 12 straight batters after a shaky first inning against the Reds. His challenge? Overcoming mental hurdles caused by pre-game nerves, which disrupt his mechanics and command.

Strategy in Action

By using an opener, the Cubs aim to rebuild Brown’s confidence. This allows him to focus on his strengths—a slider with improved vertical drop (1.7 inches in 2025) and a Changeup—key to his 2024 success against the Marlins. Early signs are encouraging: he retired nine of 11 batters faced after Pomeranz, striking out five.

Broader Implications and Strategy Evolution

Analytics-Driven Innovation

Once debated for potential bans, the opener strategy has become a situational tool for teams like the Giants, who used it in 2023 to support pitchers like Ross Stripling. The Cubs’ move aligns with MLB’s shifting landscape, where adaptability trumps tradition. For Brown, avoiding the Reds’ top hitters twice could let him dominate weaker later-inning lineups.

Looking Ahead

With a three-game NL Central lead, the Cubs’ willingness to innovate is critical as they navigate injuries. Brown’s ability to sustain late-inning dominance will test the opener strategy’s long-term viability. For now, this adjustment offers a chance to rewrite his narrative—one inning at a time.

Keywords: Chicago Cubs, Ben Brown, opener strategy, Drew Pomeranz, MLB tactics