Busch went 2-for-3 with a walk, a double and a run scored in Friday's 3-2 loss to the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

Busch isn't in the Cubs' lineup for Saturday's game against the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

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.

Busch is not in the lineup for Friday's game versus the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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 in March and 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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

Busch is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

With a tough southpaw in Max Fried on the mound for Atlanta, the lefty-hitting Busch will retreat to the bench. Patrick Wisdom will replace Busch at first base.

Busch isn't in the Cubs' lineup for Saturday's game against the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

With lefty Bailey Falter set to start on the mound for the Bucs, the left-handed bat of Busch will remain in Chicago's dugout. His absence will give Patrick Wisdom an opportunity to start at first while batting leadoff.

Busch is absent from the lineup for Tuesday's game against Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

Southpaw Chris Sale is getting the start for Atlanta, so the left-handed hitting Busch will be given a day off. Cody Bellinger will get the start at first base, while Pete Crow-Armstrong will patrol center field.

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

EDGE Analysis

The lefty-hitting Busch had started each of the Cubs' first 10 games of May and the Pirates are bringing a lefty (Bailey Falter) to the hill Sunday, so Cubs manager Craig Counsell likely viewed it as an optimal time to give the 26-year-old the day off. Patrick Wisdom will check in for Busch at first base and bat fifth.