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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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 strength, the elite strikeout rates he's posted in the minors and in his limited sample in the majors give him a chance at making a major splash in fantasy.

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

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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 is expected to have his contract selected from Triple-A Sugar Land when rosters expand Sept. 1, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Brown has put together a strong campaign in 2022 for the Space Cowboys, owning a 2.55 ERA and 1.08 WHIP with a 134:45 K:BB across 106 innings. It remains to be seen how Houston will use the young flamethrower in his first trip to the big leagues, as he's started 14 games in Triple-A so far this season but could also add immediate value as a bullpen arm.

Brown's last six starts for Triple-A Sugar Land have seen him go 3-0 with a 1.82 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 35:9 K:BB through 29. innings.

EDGE Analysis

The strikeouts are always there for the 23-year-old fireballer, but the improved control he's shown lately -- a 2.7 BB/9 over that six-start span -- is key to Brown's eventual ascension to the big leagues. High walk rates have inflated his ratios throughout his journey through the minor leagues, but there's never been a question as to the quality of Brown's raw stuff. However, while this stretch might be enough for a promotion to the majors if Brown was playing for a different organization, the Astros have no room in their rotation for now. Brown could in theory make an impact in 2022 as a multi-inning bullpen arm, similar to how Houston brought Cristian Javier along, but the team hasn't signaled its intention in that regard.

Brown has a 2.43 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 46:17 K:BB through 33.1 innings for Triple-A Sugar Land this season.

EDGE Analysis

Despite an up-and-down 2021 in which Brown's long-standing walk issues persisted, he came into this season with some helium thanks to his high-90s velocity, outstanding curveball and good slider. He's in the midst of his best season yet, results-wise, as Brown has never before put up a sub-4.00 mark at any stop in the minor leagues, and there are no complaints to be made about his 12.4 K/9. That said, the control issues remain, as his 4.6 BB/9 simply isn't good enough, and because of his pitch inefficiency, he hasn't gone deeper than 5.1 innings in any of his starts. It's noteworthy that the 23-year-old has come out of the bullpen three times among his eight appearances this year, and that may ultimately be where he's best suited. While the Astros clearly haven't given up on him as a starter, it wouldn't be surprising if they were to break him into the big leagues as a reliever and then give him opportunities to start down the line.