Hunter Brown Injury News & Updates

Brown allowed two hits across three scoreless innings in Thursday's 10-3 victory over the Rangers in Game 3 of the ALCS. He struck out two.

Brown was tasked with covering the bulk of the innings after Jose Urquidy only lasted 2.1 innings as the starter. He faced pressure in the fifth inning with two runners on, but managed to be rescued by his defense when Corey Seager lined out and Marcus Semien was tagged out on the basepaths to end the inning. Brown has pitched to a 1.80 ERA and 1.00 WHIP with four strikeouts across five innings out of the bullpen.

Brown (11-13) took the loss Sunday against the Royals, allowing six runs on six hits and one walk over three innings. He struck out four.

Brown allowed a season-worst four home runs Sunday as it marked the third time in his last four starts allowing six runs or more. He has gone 1-3 with a 9.67 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 21:7 K:BB over 17.2 innings in those four outings. The 25-year-old rookie appears to have worn down over the long season as he sports a 6.67 ERA over 60.2 innings post-All-Star break. Brown looks to right the ship in his last start of the season, currently scheduled to be at Arizona.

Brown (11-12) took the loss Tuesday, allowing seven runs on six hits and two walks over 5.1 innings against the Orioles. He struck out five.

Brown served up a pair of long balls Tuesday, with one being a two-run shot by Ryan O'Hearn in the first and the other a three-run homer by Austin Hays in the third inning. The outing marked Brown's second time allowing at least six runs across his last three outings. However, between the disastrous starts, Brown fired off five scoreless frames against the A's. Since the beginning of August, Brown owns a 4-5 record with a 6.92 ERA and a 48:16 K:BB during 40.1 innings. He's lined up to make his next start against the Mariners in Seattle.

Brown (11-11) earned the win over Oakland on Wednesday, issuing two walks and striking out seven batters over five scoreless and hitless innings.

Brown had been struggling coming into Wednesday, posting a 9.56 ERA and 2.06 WHIP over his previous four starts. The rookie bounced back in impressive fashion against the A's, holding them without a hit and racking up seven punchouts over five dominant frames. Brown's final pitch of the fifth was his 78th of the night, so there was no chance he'd be allowed to push for a complete-game no-hitter (especially since he's already thrown a professional-high 146.1 frames on the campaign), thus manager Dusty Baker opted to go to the bullpen to begin the sixth. That cost Brown a chance at a quality start, but it did little to damper the rookie's excellent outing, which he'll look to build upon in what projects to be tougher matchup against Baltimore next week.

Brown (10-11) allowed six runs on six hits and two walks while striking out five over 4.1 innings to take the loss Friday versus the Padres.

For the third time in his last four starts, Brown failed to complete five innings. He's posted a 24:10 K:BB over 16 innings while giving up three home runs over that span, but he's just not getting the job done. The right-hander is at a 4.78 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 162:49 K:BB through 141.2 innings across 27 appearances (26 starts) this season. Brown is tentatively lined up for a favorable home start versus the Athletics next week.

Brown (10-10) took the loss Saturday, coughing up five runs (three earned) on five hits and four walks over four-plus innings as the Astros were downed 5-4 by the Yankees. He struck out five.

A fifth-inning error by Mauricio Dubon on a potential double-play ball right after a leadoff walk to Aaron Judge spelled the end of Brown's night, and both baserunners eventually came around to score after he'd left the mound. The right-hander didn't necessarily deserve a better outcome, though -- he tossed only 54 of 94 pitches for strikes, and the four free passes were the most he'd issued since he walked five Giants on May 2. Brown has been tagged for at least five runs in three of his last five starts, and fatigue could be a factor for him down the stretch as his 137 innings on the season is already a new career high. Unless Houston decides to give the 25-year-old some extra rest between starts, his next outing lines up for a home series next weekend against the Padres.

Brown (10-9) earned the win Saturday, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks over five innings against Detroit. He struck out nine.

Brown bounced back from a poor last start in which he surrendered six runs across 2.2 innings against Seattle to limit the Tigers to four hits on the day. He also notched his best strikeout total since May 26 (14 starts) and gave up just one extra-base hit. The 24-year-old has been very inconsistent as of late, giving up four or more runs in four of his last eight starts while yielding two in each of the other four. He's expected to toe the rubber against the Yankees next.

Brown (9-9) took the loss Sunday, allowing six runs on eight hits and two walks over 2.2 innings against the Mariners. He struck out five.

It was a rough day for Brown, who was charged with two runs in each of the first three innings. The 24-year-old right-hander has struggled to a 6.32 ERA over his last eight outings (37 innings). Overall, Brown's ERA is up to 4.50 with a 1.34 WHIP and 143:41 K:BB across 23 starts (128 innings) this season. If the Astros elect to return to a five-man rotation, Brown could find himself back in the bullpen.

Brown is slated to start Sunday's game against the Mariners in Houston, Paige Leckie of MLB.com reports.

Though reports from Sunday indicated that Brown would have his turn in the rotation skipped this week, he'll end up starting the series finale with the Mariners while Jose Urquidy instead gets pushed to the back of the Astros' pitching schedule. Brown could have a chance at picking up two wins this week, as he improved to 9-8 in Tuesday's 6-5 victory over the Marlins after tossing two innings out of the bullpen behind starter Cristian Javier in what was the 24-year-old's first relief appearance of 2023.

The Astros will skip Brown's next turn through the rotation, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Brown was originally scheduled to pitch again Wednesday against Miami, but the team will delay his next start in favor of Justin Verlander. Brown will be available out of the bullpen during Houston's upcoming series with the Marlins and will start Friday against Seattle if he isn't used at all against Miami. The 24-year-old righty holds a 4.23 ERA and 1.29 WHIP on the season and surrendered five runs over six innings in his last start against Baltimore.

Brown (8-8) took the loss Thursday, allowing five runs on eight hits over six innings against Baltimore, while striking out seven.

It wasn't a good start for Brown as he gave up a solo home run to Adley Rutschman in the first at-bat to open the top of the first inning. The right-hander then allowed runs in the third, sixth and seventh innings, marking the fourth time this season in which he's allowed at least five runs in a start. He's has now lost five of his last seven decisions and has surrendered at least two home runs in two straight. He has, however, still managed to go six innings in each of his last four starts.

Brown (8-7) earned the win Friday, allowing two runs on five hits and one walk over 6 innings against the Yankees. He struck out four.

Outside of a couple two-out solo homers, Brown was able to keep the Yankees at bay in earning his eighth win of the season. Brown has now gone exactly six innings and has struck out exactly four batters in each of his last three outings. While the three consecutive quality starts are promising, fantasy managers would love to see his K/9 rate move closer to the 10.63 he posted over the first half of the season as opposed to the 6.67 he's maintained over his most recent stretch.

Brown (7-7) earned the win Saturday, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks over six innings against Tampa Bay. He struck out four.

After holding the Rays scoreless through the first six innings, Brown retook the mound to start the seventh frame but was quickly pulled without recording an out after serving up a two-run home run to Isaac Paredes. the outing marked Brown's second consecutive quality start after recording just one in his previous five appearances. In the month of July, Brown holds a 1-3 record and a 5.92 ERA across 24.1 innings. He's tentatively lined up for a meeting with the Yankees on the road for his next start.

Brown allowed two runs on six hits and two walks while striking out four over six innings in a no-decision versus the Athletics on Sunday.

Brown enjoyed his best start of July, though the quality of opponent likely played a role. He'd allowed a total of 12 runs and 24 hits over 12.1 innings across his three previous outings before getting back on track Sunday. The right-hander is now at a 4.19 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 122:35 K:BB through 105.1 innings over 19 starts this season. Brown's career high in innings came last year when he pitched 126.1 between Triple-A and the majors, though it's unclear if the Astros have any plans to reduce his workload over the final two months of this season. He's projected for a home start versus the Rays next weekend -- he previously tossed seven innings of two-hit ball against them April 26.

Brown (6-7) took the loss Tuesday, allowing four runs on six hits over 5.1 innings against the Rockies. He struck out seven.

Brown got into trouble quickly Tuesday, allowing a leadoff single to Jurickson Profar and then serving up back-to-back long balls to Kris Bryant and Ryan McMahon. However, the 24-year-old bounced back from the rough first inning and tossed 4.1 frames of one-run baseball. Though Brown has been a strong source of strikeouts (10.69 K/9) he's surrendered multiple home runs on four different occasions this season and has struggled over his last five outings (7.13 ERA in 24 innings). He'll look to get back on track in his next start, which is tentatively scheduled to come against the Athletics at Oakland Coliseum.

Brown (6-6) allowed five runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out eight over three-plus innings to take the loss Friday versus the Mariners.

Brown's strikeout total was impressive, but the Mariners were able to get enough men on base over the first three innings to inflate his pitch count. Things fell apart in the fourth inning, when Brown and reliever Phil Maton were tagged for a combined nine runs. This was Brown's shortest start of the season, though he needed 88 pitches (49 strikes). He's faded toward the end of the first half and now owns a 4.12 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 111:33 K:BB through 94 innings across 17 starts. He'll have at least a week off to reset before tentatively facing either the Angels or the Rockies on the road for his first start coming out of the All-Star break.

Brown (6-5) allowed three earned runs on 10 hits and no walks while striking out six across four innings to take the loss Saturday against the Rangers.

Brown was in a tough matchup against one of the better lineups in the league. He avoided the long ball, but the Rangers constantly had runners on base. That inflated Brown's pitch count and forced him into a subpar outing. After an excellent start to the season, Brown has a 4.86 ERA and 1.35 WHIP across his last six outings and 33.1 frames.

Brown allowed one run on three hits and two walks over six innings in Sunday's win over the Dodgers. He struck out seven but did not factor in the decision.

Brown served up a solo homer to Mookie Betts in the first inning but settled in to produce five straight scoreless frames after. Brown has been shaky recently, posting a 4.60 ERA through 29.1 innings over his last five starts. He's sporting a 3.62 ERA with a solid 97:30 K:BB across 87 frames for the season. Brown's next outing is currently lined up to be on the road against the Rangers.

Brown (6-4) took the loss against the Mets on Monday, allowing six runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out seven batters over 5.2 innings.

Brown got an extra day of rest between starts, but that didn't seem to be to his advantage as he surrendered a season-high six runs. Most of the damage against the right-hander came in the third inning, when New York pounded him for five runs on five hits, including two homers. Brown had recorded two straight quality starts -- including a scoreless seven-inning outing -- coming into the contest, so Monday's rough appearance may end up being just a blip on the radar. He still owns a respectable 3.78 ERA and 1.22 WHIP over 14 starts on the season.

Brown won't start Sunday's game against the Reds as initially anticipated and now lines up to make his next turn Monday versus the Mets at Minute Maid Park, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

According to Rome, Brown is feeling fine physically, but the Astros want to build in an extra day of rest between starts for the rookie right-hander after he tied a season high by covering seven innings his last time out in Tuesday's win over Washington. Ronel Blanco is now scheduled to take the hill Sunday, denying Brown of a two-start week. Brown should still line up for two turns the following week, with the right-hander expected to take on the Dodgers in Los Angeles after facing the Mets.

Brown (6-3) earned the win Tuesday over the Nationals, scattering four hits over seven shutout innings. He walked three and struck out four.

Brown posted his fourth start this season of seven innings pitched and zero runs allowed. The only extra-base hit given up was a double by CJ Abrams, as Brown continues to make a strong case for A.L. Rookie of the Year. The 24-year-old was showing great command with his knuckle curve, as he recorded four whiffs and struck out three hitters. Brown now sits at a 3.35 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 83:26 K:BB over 75.1 innings. He'll look to cap off a strong week with a start against the Reds over the weekend.

Brown (5-3) took the loss Tuesday, giving up three runs on three hits and three walks over six innings as the Astros fell 5-1 to the Blue Jays. He struck out five.

Long balls by George Springer and Daulton Varsho accounted for most of the damage off Brown, and the rookie right-hander had little margin for error on a night when Kevin Gausman was dominant for Toronto. The quality start was Brown's third in his last four starts and sixth of the season, and he'll take a 3.69 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 79:23 K:BB through 68.1 innings into his next outing, likely to come at home next week against the Nationals.

Brown (5-2) took the loss against Minnesota on Wednesday, allowing five runs on six hits and two walks while striking out eight batters over 4.2 innings.

The strikeout stuff continues to be there for Brown -- he has now fanned eight or more batters in four straight contests -- but he gave up a season-high five runs and was unable to complete five innings. All of Minnesota's hits against him were singles, though four of them came in the third frame and led to three runs. Brown has had a few mediocre outings this season, but he's been solid overall, posting a 3.61 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 74:20 K:BB across 62.1 frames.

Brown (5-1) allowed two runs on four hits and a walk while striking out 10 over seven innings to earn the win over the Athletics on Friday.

The 10 strikeouts were a season high for Brown, who also completed seven innings for the fourth time in 10 starts. The one downside was that he allowed his fourth home run in as many outings. Brown trimmed his ERA to 3.12 with a 1.20 WHIP and 66:18 K:BB through 57.2 innings. He's lined up for a home start versus the Twins next week.

Brown tossed six innings against Oakland on Saturday, allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits and no walks. He struck out nine and did not factor in the decision.

Brown gave up just one extra-base hit in the outing and demonstrated excellent control, throwing 62 of 97 pitches for a strike and issuing no free passes for the first time this season. The rookie also racked up 15 whiffs while setting a season high with nine punchouts. This was one of his finest outings of the campaign, but he had to settle for a no-decision since Houston's offense managed only two runs while he was in the game. Brown how holds a solid 3.20 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 56:17 K:BB over 50.2 innings on the campaign. His next start is tentatively lined up to be a rematch with the Athletics in Oakland.

Brown (4-1) earned the win Sunday over the White Sox, allowing three runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out eight over 5.2 innings.

Brown was en route to picking up his fourth quality start of the season, but the Sox chased him out of the sixth after Jake Burger connected on a first pitch curveball over the field wall to make it a 4-3 ballgame. Brown also gave up a home run to Luis Robert in the fourth inning but tied his season high with eight strikeouts and registered 19 missed swings. The 24-year-old hadn't given up a home run in any of his first six starts of the year but has let up three over his last two outings. Brown now has a 3.43 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 47:17 K:BB over 44.2 innings. He's set up for a favorable matchup against the Athletics next weekend.

Brown allowed four runs on nine hits and one walk while striking out three batters over 4.1 innings in a no-decision against the Angels on Monday.

Brown allowed at least one baserunner in each of the five innings in which he appeared, and he left with one out in the fifth after issuing a pair of doubles and a hit-by-pitch. The right-hander at least demonstrated better control after issuing five free passes his last time out, but he also gave up a season-high nine hits, including his first homer (a solo shot by Hunter Renfroe) of the campaign. Brown still sports a strong 3.23 ERA, but he's failed to complete five innings in three of his past four starts.

Brown (3-1) took the loss Tuesday, allowing two runs on four hits and five walks over 4.1 innings against the Giants. He struck out four.

Brown set a career high with five walks, as he failed to locate in the zone all game. The Giants managed to push across just two runs, helping Brown's ERA stay at 2.60 for the season. The rookie has failed to get out of the fifth inning three times in his six starts this season, as his pitch count has surpassed 90 in all three of those outings. Despite the walks and short starts, Brown has produced with his excellent ERA and 36 strikeouts in 34.2 innings.

Brown (3-0) picked up the win Wednesday, allowing two hits and two walks over seven scoreless innings in a 1-0 victory over the Rays. He struck out eight.

It was a dazzling performance from the young right-hander, as Brown produced 32 called or swinging strikes among his 95 pitches in his best start yet in the majors. The 24-year-old rookie sports a 2.37 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 32:10 K:BB through 30.1 innings, and he'll look to keep rolling in his next outing, likely to come at home early next week against the Giants.

Brown yielded four runs on seven hits and two walks over 4.2 innings during Friday's win over Atlanta. He struck out seven and did not factor in the decision.

Atlanta immediately jumped on Brown in the first inning, plating four runs, including three with two outs. He settled in to prevent a disastrous outing but failed to complete five innings for the first time since his season debut April 3. Brown forced 14 whiffs (30%) including seven with the slider. He's registered a 29:9 K:BB and a 3.09 ERA through 25 frames.

Brown (2-0) earned the win Saturday, allowing two runs on five hits and one walk over seven innings in a 8-2 win over Texas. He struck out five.

Brown gave manager Dusty Baker and the Astros a second consecutive excellent start. The 24-year-old righty has given up just three runs in his last 14 innings, but none of them have been earned. Look for the Detroit native to keep on getting as many opportunities to prove himself as Houston looks to fill the void left by Justin Verlander in free agency.

Brown (1-0) earned the win during Sunday's 5-1 victory over Minnesota, allowing one run on two hits and two walks over seven innings. He struck out seven.

After a shaky first start, Brown was lights out and struck out a career-high seven en route to his first win of the season. The hard-throwing right-hander is bound to have some hiccups during his first full MLB season, but his upside was on full display Sunday. His next start is tentatively scheduled versus the Rangers, which should be another interesting test for Brown.

Brown yielded four runs on six hits and three walks over 4.2 innings during Monday's loss to Detroit. He struck out five and did not factor in the decision.

Brown gave up two runs through four frames before running into trouble in the fifth. After striking out the first two batters of the inning, he put the next four Tigers on base, including three walks. His fastball topped out at 98.5 mph and he forced eight swinging strikes. Brown will look for better command and results in his next outing, which is currently scheduled for this weekend in Minnesota.

Astros manager Dusty Baker told reporters that the team is hoping Brown will be able to throw between 85 and 90 pitches and/or go five innings for Monday's start against the Tigers, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Brown was shut down this spring with lower back tightness and is making his first start of the season, so it's not a surprise that he'll be limited in Monday's start. Even with the restrictions he has a chance to be a solid contributor against a Detroit lineup with plenty of holes that was overmatched against the Tampa bay staff over the weekend.

Brown (back) will start for the Astros on Monday against the Tigers, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Brown came down with some lower-back tightness toward the end of spring training, but he got through a simulated outing Wednesday without issue and is ready to take his place in Houston's season-opening rotation. The 24-year-old skyrocketed up fantasy draft boards all March, and rightly so.

Brown (back) is on track to be part of the Astros' season-opening starting rotation, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Brown was scratched from a scheduled Grapefruit League start last week after experiencing lower-back tightness while doing some agility drills in camp, but he made it through a bullpen session Sunday without issue and is slated to throw a simulated game Wednesday. The 24-year-old right-hander posted a 0.89 ERA with 22 strikeouts over his first 20.1 major-league innings last year, working mostly in relief. He holds considerable fantasy upside in 2023 with a relatively locked-in starting role for the defending World Series champs.

Brown (back) felt good after throwing a 25-pitch bullpen session Sunday and is expected to throw a simulated game this week, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Assuming everything goes well during the simulated game this week, the 24-year-old should be good to go for Houston's first turn through the starting rotation. Brown could line up to start the Astros' home opener versus the Tigers on April 3.

Brown (back) will throw a bullpen prior to Sunday's Grapefruit League finale, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Brown is recovering from lower-back tightness, but he has been able to play catch on flat ground and now will get a chance to throw off the mound Sunday. The right-hander could open the season on the injured list, but there's some positive momentum that suggests he can begin the year as a member of the Houston rotation.

Brown (back) played catch without issue Friday in Astros camp, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Astros manager Dusty Baker said after the flat-ground workout that Brown is "feeling a lot better" as he recovers from a bout of lower-back tightness. It sounds like the 24-year-old right-hander might be able to open the 2023 regular season as the No. 5 starter for Houston, but he does have some more hurdles to clear before camp breaks.

Brown (back) did not throw Thursday in Astros camp, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

It might have just been another rest day for Brown's lower-back tightness, which caused him to miss a scheduled Grapefruit League start Wednesday against the Mets. Astros manager Dusty Baker offered no update on the status of the 24-year-old right-hander, who had been cruising toward the final spot in Houston's season-opening starting rotation before this sudden turn of events. Maybe there will be better news in the coming days.

Brown (back) was scratched from his Grapefruit League start Wednesday against the Mets as a precaution, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Brown experienced some lower-back tightness while doing agility drills Tuesday in Astros camp and the team didn't want to rush him out there and risk making it worse. The talented 24-year-old right-hander could perhaps fit in one final exhibition outing as he prepares to open the 2023 season as the No. 5 starter in Houston. There doesn't seem to be any current worry about an IL stint.

Brown was scratched from his Grapefruit League start against the Mets on Wednesday due to lower-back tightness, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The 24-year-old is penciled in as Houston's No. 5 starter to begin the season, but he won't make what was supposed to be his final start of spring training Wednesday due to the back issue. Brown's availability for the Opening Day rotation is now in question, which is another potential blow to a Houston rotation that is already starting the campaign without Lance McCullers (forearm).

Brown threw three shutout innings without allowing a baserunner while striking out three across three innings in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins.

Brown had been roughed up in his first two spring training appearances, allowing four earned runs across two innings while also walking five. He settled in Sunday however, throwing 26 of 34 pitches for a strike while sitting between 93 and 96 mph with his fastball, per Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle. Brown also delivered his longest outing of the exhibition season as he ramps up to occupy the fifth rotation spot once the regular season begins.

Brown appears on track to begin the season as the Astros' fifth starter after Lance McCullers (forearm) acknowledged Wednesday that he won't be ready to go for Opening Day, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

In a show of faith to Brown and as a testament to the organization's starting pitching depth as a whole, the Astros didn't sign any replacements this offseason for staff ace and reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander, who bolted for the Mets in free agency. The Astros could still look to add another veteran arm on a low-cost MLB or minor-league deal, but at least for the time being, McCullers' absence to begin the campaign clears the way for the 24-year-old Brown to break camp as a member of the rotation. After dazzling at Triple-A Sugar Land for the first five months of the past season, Brown joined Houston as a September call-up and provided a glimpse of his immense potential, logging a 0.89 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 22:7 K:BB across 20.1 innings over seven appearances (two starts). Expect Houston to be somewhat conservative with Brown's workload this season, but even if his innings are capped and he doesn't hold a full-time rotation spot when/if the Astros pitching staff is at full streng

Brown allowed two hits while striking out three and walking one across three scoreless innings to earn a hold Monday against the Rays.

Brown appeared out of the bullpen for the first time since being promoted to the majors but had no problem with his shift in role. He entered the game in the sixth inning with a four-run lead and threw 47 pitches to maintain the advantage. While Brown won't get back into the Houston rotation barring an injury prior to the close of the season, he could be used in a valuable multi-inning role that will allow him to pile up strikeouts and potentially wins.

Brown has moved to the Astros bullpen, Julia Morales of AT&T SportsNet Southwest reports.

Brown didn't do anything to deserve a demotion from the rotation, but the Astros simply have too many quality options, and he wouldn't be a member of the playoff rotation. If Brown pitches well in relief, he could possibly make the playoff roster in that role.

Brown (2-0) earned the victory Tuesday in Detroit, striking out six in six innings while allowing two runs on five hits and two walks.

Brown followed his stellar big-league debut with another strong start, inducing two double-play groundballs and retiring 10 of the last 11 batters he faced on the way to his second victory. After making just four starts of six innings or more in his 14 minor-league starts, he's tossed six innings in each of his first two big-league outings. With Justin Verlander (calf) hoping to return to the rotation this weekend, Brown's next appearance may come in relief.

Brown is scheduled to start Tuesday's game at Detroit.

The rookie right-hander will pick up a second turn through Houston's rotation coming off a dazzling MLB debut against the Rangers on Sept. 5, when he struck out five over six scoreless frames. Though Brown looks to be an attractive streaming option against a hapless Detroit offense, he could be moved to the bullpen following Tuesday's outing. Justin Verlander (calf) appears to be trending toward a return from the 15-day injured list during the upcoming weekend, making Brown the most logical candidate to move out of the six-man rotation to clear a spot.

Brown (1-0) earned the win over Texas on Monday, allowing three hits and one walk while striking out five batters over six scoreless innings.

Brown has been very good in the minors this season, posting a 2.55 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 134:45 K:BB over 106 innings in Triple-A. The right-hander didn't disappoint in his first major-league outing, holding the Rangers to one extra-base hit and no runs across six impressive frames. Brown walked only one batter after posting a 10.6 percent walk rate in the minors, and control could be the key as he continues to face big-league batters moving forward. The excellent debut will likely allow Brown get another turn in the rotation, though the eventual return of Justin Verlander (calf) could push him to a bullpen role or a return to the minors.

Brown will make his major-league debut as a starter Monday against the Rangers, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Brown worked as both a starter and a reliever for Triple-A Sugar Land this season, posting a 2.55 ERA and 31.5 percent strikeout rate in 106 innings. He was called up Thursday, but his role down the stretch was initially unclear. Whether or not he sticks in the rotation beyond Monday's outing may depend on how he performs. Control will be key, as his strong statline in the minors came with a poor 10.6 percent walk rate.