Ben Brown Recalled, Ethan Roberts Optioned

Craig Counsell announced on Sunday that Monday’s matchup against the Royals would be a bullpen game, with Ryan Brasier selected to start the game.

Today's roster updates presented by @NuveenInv: pic.twitter.com/twFoHZiCBd

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 21, 2025

The Cubs are adding Ben Brown to the active roster, giving him an option to receive bulk innings in his first game back. So far in Chicago this season, Brown has a 6.13 ERA in 79.1 innings. He has a 4.10 FIP and .362 BABIP, showing a hint of bad luck. However, an average exit velocity of 92.5 mph tells a more gruesome story. Brown made two starts during his time in Iowa, where he allowed one run in his nine innings of work.

Ethan Roberts only made one appearance during this stint in the major leagues, allowing one run in 0.2 innings. The right-hander has struggled to stay in the big leagues, frequently being shuttled between Des Moines and Chicago.