Chicago Cubs DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch had a superb Sunday at the plate in helping lead the club to a 7-3 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. Busch swatted his eighth home run of the season as part of a 2-for-2 showing with three RBI and two walks. After that spotless performance, Busch owns an impressive .266/.366/.486 line with 33 RBI in 205 plate appearances. The lefty-swinging Busch is seldom in the lineup when the opposing team starts a southpaw, but he's a productive option for fantasy managers when the Cubs face a right-hander. They're slated to take on Nationals righty Trevor Williams on Tuesday.

Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong was all over the field during Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. Crow-Armstrong came into this game in a 2-for-18 slump, but was productive on Sunday. He went 3-for-4 with three singles, one RBI, two stolen bases, and three runs scored in the win. Crow-Armstrong is in the middle of a breakout campaign with 15 home runs and 19 stolen bases. He needs to be rostered and started in all fantasy formats.

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga (hamstring) completed his second bullpen session on Saturday. The left-hander is expected to face live hitters during the next step of his progression. Imanaga has been sidelined with a left hamstring strain since the start of May. However, it appears Imanaga will soon be facing live hitters, which could open the door for a return in early June. Before his injury, the 31-year-old was enjoying a strong start to the season, posting a 2.82 ERA with a 1.10 WHIP. Across 44 2/3 innings, he struck out just 34 batters but showed excellent command of his pitches, as he allowed walks at a 7.7% rate. However, he currently sits in the 26th percentile in xERA, which suggests he could face some regression when he returns. When he is activated off the IL, Ben Brown will likely transition to a full-time reliever.

Chicago Cubs right-handed pitcher Ben Brown is expected to serve as the bulk reliever during their contest on Saturday against the Cincinnati Reds. Drew Pomeranz is slated to open the game, but he is only expected to pitch one inning of work. Throughout the opening months of the season, Brown has been deployed primarily out of the rotation and has had mixed results. This afternoon, he will remain the primary option but will pitch out of the bullpen. Through 50 2/3 innings of work this season, Brown has held a 6.39 ERA with a 1.60 WHIP. Across this stint, Brown has struck out 64 batters and posted a solid 7.7% walk rate. However, he has generated a high 9.3% barrel rate with a hefty 45.7% hard-hit rate. This afternoon, Brown is best to fade in DFS given his inconsistent start to the season.

The Miami Marlins are expected to designate first baseman Matt Mervis and second baseman Ronny Simon for assignment prior to their contest on Friday against the San Francisco Giants. The Marlins acquired Mervis from the Cubs in the winter. While he showed solid power upside during his first 23 games, posting a .534 SLG with an .827 OPS, since May 1, Mervis has held a low .111/.200/.156 slash line with just two extra-base hits. Simon joined the MLB roster in late April when Griffin Conine hit the injured list. Through 19 games this season, Simon has posted a modest .234/.327/.277 slash line with two doubles and no home runs. With both Mervis and Simon likely exiting the roster, fantasy managers should expect Eric Wagaman to see most of the time at first base while Javier Sanoja continues to fill in for the injured Xavier Edwards (back) at the keystone.