McCade Brown to Make MLB Debut on Sunday

McCade Brown is set to make history on Sunday afternoon at PNC Park against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The tall right-hander will become the first member of the Indians (1983-present) to make an MLB debut in the same season they played for Spokane. In fact, Brown's first big league start will come three months to the day that he last pitched for the Indians (Saturday, May 24th vs. Tri-City).

“I’m excited to see what he can accomplish,” said Double-A Hartford Pitching Coach Dan Meyer. “He’s got a chance to be really good.”

Originally a third-round pick (79th overall) by Colorado out of the University of Indiana in 2021, Brown struggled in his first professional season with Fresno in 2022 (5.22 ERA in 89.2 IP) before missing all of 2023 and the majority of 2024 as he recovered from Tommy John surgery.

He opened this year as part of Spokane's starting rotation, though he was limited to three or less inning in each of his first four appearances as he continued to build back arm strength and stamina. Brown reached five innings for the first time on May 18th before wrapping up his time in the Inland Northwest with a dominant outing against the Dust Devils on May 24th: 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 11 K. He finished with a 1.60 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, .178 average against, and 12.83 K/9 mark in 33.2 innings (9 GS) for Spokane.

The 25-year-old didn't skip a beat upon joining the Yard Goats in the treacherous Eastern League, posting a 4-2 record, 3.14 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and 11.93 K/9 mark in 11 starts with Hartford. Overall, Brown has recorded a 2.47 ERA and 105 K's in 76.2 innings across both levels this season.

“He’s pretty much how you would draw up your starting pitcher (regarding) height and weight," said Rockies Assistant Director of Player Development Jesse Stender. "I think the Spanish term is caballo for horse. That’s what this guy is. And it’s the stuff to go with it.”

Brown will become the first member of Spokane's 2025 team to reach the majors and the 33rd overall during the team's current affiliation with the Rockies (2021-present).

ABOUT THE SPOKANE INDIANS

The Spokane Indians are the High-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies located in Spokane Valley, Wash., and play at Avista Stadium home of the MultiCare Kids Bench Seat and Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs Military & Veteran Ticket. Parking at all Spokane Indians games is FREE. The Spokane Indians Office and Team Store hours are 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Fridays. On game days, the Office and Team Store are open from 10:00 a.m. through the end of the game.