Busch went 2-for-3 with a walk, a double and a run scored in Friday's 3-2 loss to the Reds.
Busch came into the contest in a bit of a slump, as he was just 1-for-10 over his previous six games. Overall, he's slowed down some after a strong start to the season, though he still has a solid .783 OPS and provides decent pop against righties. While Busch continues to generally sit against lefties, he has at least batted .304 (7-for-23) against them when given the opportunity.
Busch is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Reds.
It's the third straight game on the bench for the 26-year-old, and this time it comes as lefty Nick Lodolo takes the mound for the Reds. Busch had a hot start to the campaign with a 1.062 OPS in his first 19 contests, but he has a .186/.292/.314 slash line and 38.3 percent strikeout rate in his past 35 games. Patrick Wisdom will start at first base Sunday for the Cubs.
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Cubs' Michael Busch: Sitting again Saturday
Rotowire
Busch isn't in the Cubs' lineup for Saturday's game against the Reds.
Busch is 4-for-13 with a homer, three RBI and two runs scored in his last six games, but he is likely to see a dip in playing time, as Pete Crow-Armstrong's arrival will force Cody Bellinger to start at first base more often.
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Cubs' Michael Busch: Absent from Friday's lineup
Rotowire
Busch is not in the lineup for Friday's game versus the Reds.
It sounds like the Cubs plan to play Pete Crow-Armstrong in center field more often after they recalled him from Triple-A Iowa on Thursday. That will mean more Cody Bellinger in right field and at first base, where he is playing Friday. Busch could have his playing time dip as a result. The rookie infielder had a stretch in mid-April when he homered in five straight games, but in 37 contests since then he's slashed just .202/.296/.316 with two homers and a 38.6 percent strikeout rate.
Busch went 2-for-4 with a walk, a solo home run and two total RBI in Tuesday's 6-3, 10-inning win over the Brewers.
Busch connected for his eighth home run of the season in the third inning, but it was only his second of the month as he's slowed down some after a hot start. Across 23 games in May, the first baseman is batting just .206 after hitting .266 from Opening Day through the end of April. Busch should hold onto a regular role, though the Cubs have some other lineup options if they decide to mix things up.
Busch is not in the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.
Even with right-hander Sonny Gray taking the mound for the Cardinals on Sunday, the lefty-hitting Busch will begin the series finale in the dugout. Patrick Wisdom will start at first base in Busch's stead and will bat eighth.
