Michael Busch's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch (triceps) is serving as the designated hitter and batting fifth for the Cubbies on Friday against the division-rival Cincinnati Reds and right-hander Nick Martinez at Wrigley Field. Busch was hit by a pitch earlier this week and missed one game as a result, but he's back now and ready to go for the final three games of the 2024 regular season this weekend. Cody Bellinger is making another start at first base, with rookie Kevin Alcantara making his second big-league start in right field. Busch does not have a hit in four career at-bats against Martinez. The 26-year-old left-handed hitter has produced his first 20-homer season and has also driven in 65 in 149 games in his first full season in the majors with the Cubs in 2024. Busch has been cold at the plate lately, going 3-for-20 (.150) with a homer, double, one RBI and six strikeouts in his last seven games played.

Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch (triceps) is out of the starting lineup for Wednesday's clash against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Busch was hit on his triceps by a pitch during Tuesday's contest and left the game early. As a result, he'll take the day off on Wednesday and should be considered day-to-day. With a scheduled day off on Thursday, the 26-year-old should have a good chance of returning for the final series of the year this weekend at Wrigley Field versus the division-rival Cincinnati Reds. Cody Bellinger is starting at first base and is batting cleanup for the Cubs, with rookie Kevin Alcantara starting in right field and batting ninth in his big-league debut against Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sanchez. In his first full season in 2024 with the Cubs, Busch has reached the 20-homer mark while batting .252/.335/.446 with a .780 OPS.

Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch (arm) left Tuesday's contest early at Citizens Bank Park against the Philadelphia Phillies in the bottom of the second inning after being hit in the arm by a pitch in the second frame. Busch stayed in to run the bases but didn't come out following the half inning. Cody Bellinger moved from right field to first base, with Mike Tauchman entering the game in right field. It looked like Busch may have been hit in the elbow, but we'll know more once the team releases information on his status. The 26-year-old will likely have X-rays at the stadium, but even if he avoids any structural damage, he'll probably be in line for the day off on Wednesday. If it's a serious injury, Busch's season will be over. In his first full season in the big leagues with the Cubs this year, Busch produced 21 homers while hitting .252/.333/.446 with 65 RBI in 148 games played.