Chicago Cubs pitcher Ben Brown is scheduled to make the start against the Texas Rangers on Friday, according to Taylor McGregor. Given all the injuries to this pitching staff, Brown will need to move from his bullpen role and into the rotation. Brown has been excellent with a 2.10 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and a 24/8 K/BB ratio across 12 appearances in the bullpen this season. He has been fantastic in a multi-inning role, but the Cubs need him to step up into the rotation now. The right-hander has already pitched twice this week, so it seems unlikely that he'll pitch deep into Friday's game. He'll likely pitch a few innings, but probably won't stay in the game long enough to warrant looking at him as a streaming option.

Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Luis Castillo could end up as the odd man out in the starting rotation. Fellow starter Bryce Miller (oblique) is set to return from the Injured List next week. The Mariners will need to make a big decision with their rotation once Miller is back in the mix. They could roll with a six-man rotation; if not, Castillo or Emerson Hancock would likely be shifted to a bullpen role for now. Castillo has never pitched out of the bullpen, with all 250 of his big league appearances coming as starts. However, he has been unusable in the rotation this season. Castillo owns a 6.29 ERA, 1.66 WHIP, and a 31:13 K:BB ratio through seven starts. Hancock has been the much more effective starter and has earned the right to remain in the rotation. A short stint in the bullpen might be good for Castillo to hopefully turn around his season.

Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Carlos Estevez (shoulder) will be shut down for the next three weeks, according to manager Matt Quatraro. Estevez was removed early during his rehab outing on Wednesday after displaying reduced velocity. The right-hander was diagnosed with a right rotator cuff strain on Thursday. Estevez won't throw for three weeks, and then will hopefully begin a rehab assignment after that. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect Estevez to be back in the mix for at least a month or so. With that being said, Lucas Erceg should continue to hold down the full-time closer role in Kansas City.

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Cole Ragans (elbow) is dealing with Valgus Extension Overload, according to manager Matt Quatraro. The southpaw was forced to make an early exit from his start on Wednesday after three innings of work. The Royals are optimistic that Ragans won't require a stint on the Injured List. Ragans is going to rest for the next few days before the team decides how to proceed going forward. For now, Ragans is day-to-day, but fantasy managers shouldn't be shocked if he does end up on the shelf.