Michael Busch DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch will take a seat on Sunday, facing Cincinnati Reds left-handed pitcher Nick Lodolo. Through the opening two months of the season, Busch has made just two starts against left-handed pitching. As a result, the veteran Justin Turner will cover first base and is slated to bat in the seven-hole. Over his last 13 contests, Busch has posted a solid .256/.360/.419 slash line with four doubles, one home run, and five RBI. During this stretch, Busch swiped one bag and held a 12:5 K:BB. Through 49 contests this season, the 27-year-old has held a .252/.351/.460 line with seven long balls and three stolen bases. Fantasy managers should expect Busch to remain out of the starting nine on Monday as the Cubs are slated to face Colorado left-hander Carson Palmquist.

Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch is not in Wednesday's lineup when they play the final game of a three-game set against the San Francisco Giants. With left-handed pitcher Robbie Ray taking the bump for the Giants, Busch will take a seat. Through the opening month, Busch has only made two starts against left-handed pitching. Instead, the Cubs will give veteran Justin Turner the nod at first base, and he will bat in the five-hole. Through the first 35 contests of the campaign, Busch has been productive, holding a .252/.350/.479 slash line with seven doubles, six long balls, and 22 RBI. Busch has generated a strong .356 xwOBA and a .478 xSLG, which suggests he should continue to be a viable fantasy asset. However, fantasy managers should continue to expect him to remain in a platoon role at first base, albeit on the strong side.

Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch (rest) is out of the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers. The left-handed slugger will get the night off after blasting a grand slam during Friday's blowout victory. Busch is stuck in a platoon, but that hasn't stopped him from being a reliable fantasy contributor. On Saturday, Justin Turner will cover first base and bat fifth against left-hander Jose Quintana. Turner hasn't been great with the bat this season and Quintana carries a 1.14 ERA into this game. That being said, fantasy managers should look elsewhere for a streaming option on Saturday.