Wed Jun 25 02:20:00 UTC 2025: **Cubs Option Brown to Triple-A, Imanaga Returns; Hoyer Actively Seeking Rotation Help**

**CHICAGO** – The Chicago Cubs have optioned right-handed pitcher Ben Brown to Triple-A Iowa, the team announced Tuesday. The move clears a roster spot for left-hander Shota Imanaga, who is set to return from the injured list and start Thursday’s game. Reliever Porter Hodge has been reinstated from the injured list.

Brown, 25, has struggled recently, posting a 6.13 ERA, with several outings in his last seven starts seeing him give up six or more runs. Manager Craig Counsell hopes the demotion will give him an opportunity to refine his skills and work on pitching deeper into games.

Imanaga’s return provides a boost to a Cubs pitching staff that has been depleted by injuries. Ace Justin Steele is out for the season with elbow surgery, and young righty Javier Assad has yet to pitch this season due to oblique injuries. With Colin Rea also struggling recently, Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer has publicly stated the team’s intention to pursue pitching upgrades via the trade market.

According to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score, the Cubs are aggressively exploring trade options and a deal could materialize well before next month’s trade deadline. While Levine downplayed the possibility of acquiring former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara, he suggested the Cubs are looking at other, less-obvious trade candidates. The Marlins have other trade candidates such as Edward Cabrera. The Cubs have been generally quiet about potential targets, but with the need for rotation help more apparent, the team is facing a competitive market as several clubs are seeking similar upgrades.

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