Busch is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks.

EDGE Analysis

The lefty-hitting Busch will get his first game off of the season while the Diamondbacks send a southpaw (Eduardo Rodriguez) to the hill for a day game after a night game. Justin Turner will fill in for Busch at first base.

Busch went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI in Saturday's Cactus League game against the White Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Busch is now 4-for-6 overall through two spring training appearances with three RBI. The 27-year-old is entrenched as Chicago's top option at first base, though the recent addition of Justin Turner gives the Cubs a veteran alternative. The two could work in a platoon to start the year with the lefty-hitting Busch serving on the strong side, but a prolonged slump by either player could swing playing time more in the opposite direction.

Busch could form a platoon with the newly signed Justin Turner at first base in 2025, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Busch, a left-handed hitter, would presumably be on the strong side of a platoon with Turner, who bats from the right side and would likely be deployed against southpaws. The veteran Turner is also an option to see time at DH. While Busch still appears to be locked into a fairly sizeable role, Turner represents an option with an extensive and successful body of work at the MLB level. If Busch gets off to a slow start, Turner could see his role grow at his teammate's expense.

Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer indicated Tuesday that Busch is not under consideration to play third base and will instead remain focused on first base, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Cubs have an opening at the hot corner following the trade of Isaac Paredes and Busch has some experience at third base. However, the team views Busch as a potential Gold Glove-caliber first baseman and wants him to remain there. Top prospect Matt Shaw looks to be the current favorite to start at third base.

Busch went 0-for-1 with four walks during Sunday's 3-0 loss to the Reds in 10 innings.

EDGE Analysis

Busch didn't generate a hit in the final series of the regular season. going 0-for-7 across the three-game set against Cincinnati. However, he did walk four times in Sunday's regular-season finale. It was just his sixth game with multiple walks this season and set a career high in the category. The 26-year-old finishes 2024 with a .248/.335/.440 slash line, 21 home runs, 65 RBI and 73 runs scored.

Busch (triceps) will start at designated hitter and bat fifth in Friday's contest against the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

Busch missed one game with a sore triceps as a result of a hit-by-pitch, but he's feeling well enough to play after Thursday's team off day. Cody Bellinger is at first base in this one while Kevin Alcantara handles right field.

Busch (triceps) isn't in the Cubs' lineup for Wednesday's game versus the Phillies.

EDGE Analysis

Busch departed Tuesday's game early after getting hit in the arm by a pitch, and he'll now take a day off to recover during Wednesday's series finale. His absence will put Cody Bellinger at first base, opening up right field for Kevin Alcantara to make his MLB debut while batting ninth.

Busch was removed from Tuesday's game against the Phillies after getting hit in the arm by a pitch, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Busch was able to remain in the game to run the bases after getting plunked, but he didn't take the field once the Cubs went back out on defense. He managed to escape the incident with only a bruise, per Montemurro, making it unlikely he sits down for an extended period of time.

Busch went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and a double in Sundays' 5-0 win over the Nationals.

EDGE Analysis

Busch entered Sunday 0-for-11 over his last four games. He snapped the slump with a pair of extra-base hits, including a fourth-inning solo shot that gave the Cubs a 3-0 lead. He's been a bit streaky this year, but Busch has been able to put up decent power numbers with 21 homers, 65 RBI and a .448 slugging percentage. He's added 28 doubles, two stolen bases, 72 runs scored and a .252 batting average over 147 contests, mostly in a strong-side platoon role.

Busch isn't in the Cubs' lineup for Thursday's game against the Nationals.

EDGE Analysis

After going 1-for-10 with an RBI and four strikeouts during Chicago's previous series against Oakland, Busch will take a seat to begin the Cubs' four-game set with Washington. Patrick Wisdom will cover first base in his stead and bat sixth.