Thames went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer and a walk in Friday's 5-4 defeat for the Brewers against the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

It was the second long ball of the year coming off a 31-homer campaign for Thames, who tagged Chicago starter Kyle Hendricks with a fifth-inning two-run blast. He's now slashing .238/.360/.571 through 21 at-bats and although he probably won't hit for a high average or light it up against left-handed pitching, Thames looks like he'll be good for plenty of homers once again in 2018.

Thames is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

As per usual, Thames will grab a seat on the bench with a left-handed pitcher (Jon Lester) toeing the rubber for the opposition. In his place, Jesus Aguilar will pick up his first season start of the season at first base, hitting fifth.

Thames is batting leadoff Wednesday against the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

This is the second time the former KBO star is atop the Brewers' batting order. It seems like this is manager Craig Counsell's preferred spot for Thames whenever Ryan Braun isn't in the lineup, as the skipper seems to like Lorenzo Cain in the three-hole in such instances. Things can change during the year, but it seems like Thames has a good chance of leading off whenever Braun sits, which could change his fantasy outlook from game to game.

Thames will bat leadoff and start at first base Saturday against the Padres.

EDGE Analysis

The Brewers started Ryan Braun at first base for the first two games of the season as the faced a pair of left-handed starting pitchers, but Thames earns the nod against righty Luis Perdomo. The 31-year-old has a walk in two pinch-hit appearances thus far and will serve as table-setter for trade-acquisitions Christian Yelich and Lorenzo Cain.

Thames is not in the Opening Day lineup against the Padres.

EDGE Analysis

This was fully anticipated, as the Brewers announced they would start Ryan Braun at first base against southpaw Clayton Richard. Thames is still expected to get the bulk of the starts at first base against righties, whom he hit .265/.382/.551 against in 2017.

Thames will feature prominently for the Brewers this season despite losing starts at first base to Ryan Braun against left-handed pitchers, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

Manager Craig Counsell said, "He's going to figure prominently into our offense for sure this year. I don't see Eric losing any playing time in this situation." Thames could sit regularly against lefties and still play as often as he did last year, as he appeared in just 138 games despite never winding up on the disabled list. He also has the ability to fill in at the outfield corners, appearing 30 times there last season, but that flexibility won't be needed as much this year, as the whole reason Braun is moving part-time to first base is that the Brewers now have a glut of outfielders.

Thames (back) is returning returning to the lineup Saturday against the Rockies.

EDGE Analysis

Thames had been out since Thursday after being scratched with a stiff back. He'll be back with plenty of time to be ready by Opening Day and will have the at-bats he needs to stake his claim to regular playing time in a now-crowded Brewers lineup.

Thames (back) is feeling better and is expected to be back in the lineup Saturday, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thames was scratched from Thursday's Cactus League game against Arizona with a stiff back. The injury wasn't expected to be serious, and with Thames already returning to the lineup there's little reason to suspect his status will be affected for the start of the regular season.

Thames was scratched from Thursday's Cactus League game against the Diamondbacks due to a stiff back, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

The good news is the Brewers are labeling Thames' removal from the lineup as precautionary, so it doesn't appear to be anything overly serious. That said, given how early it is in camp, it wouldn't be surprising if the Brewers played it safe with the 31-year-old and afforded him a couple days off. Jesus Aguilar entered the lineup in place of Thames.

Thames has been scratched from Thursday's Cactus League matchup against the Diamondbacks, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Jesus Aguilar is set to play first base in place of Thames, who was removed from the lineup for an undisclosed reason. Look for an update on his status once the Brewers are able to provide more information.