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Cubs turning to bullpen to aid struggling Ben Brown as starting pitching stays under microscope

Joshua A. Bickel/AP Photos

Craig Counsell didn’t leave much mystery when asked Friday if Ben Brown is expected to remain part of the Cubs’ starting rotation.

“That’s the expectation, yes.”

But the Cubs will do something different with Brown, the 25-year-old righty who’s struggled to the tune of a 6.39 ERA in his 11 outings this season, 10 of which have been starts.

The Cubs will start right-handed reliever Drew Pomeranz on Saturday against the Reds. Pomeranz, who hasn’t allowed a run pitching out of the bullpen this season, figures to work as an opener ahead of Brown, who Counsell said “will be involved” even though he’s not getting the start.