Busch went 1-for-3 with a walk, a solo home run and an additional run scored in Friday's 9-7 win over the Dodgers.

EDGE Analysis

After tallying just two hits across his first five games of the season, Busch now has four hits over the last two contests along with his first long ball of the season. The 26-year-old doesn't have a lengthy MLB track record, but his minor-league numbers suggest that he can keep up a high level of offensive performance.

Busch went 3-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored in Wednesday's 9-8 win over the Rockies.

EDGE Analysis

Busch entered the contest with only two hits through 13 at-bats, but he broke out of the slump in a big way, pushing his batting average up to .313. The 26-year-old is atop Chicago's depth chart at first base, though he may cede playing time to Garrett Cooper when southpaws are on the mound for the opponent.

Busch is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Rockies, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Busch is 2-for-13 with three walks and a run through the first four games of the season, and he'll head to the bench for Tuesday's contest. Garrett Cooper will receive a start at first base, batting seventh.

Busch, who primarily played second and third base the last few years, said he is feeling more comfortable at first, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Busch is expected to make an impact with his bat, but the Cubs also hope to get solid defense at first base. Manager Craig Counsell noted that Busch's athleticism is helping him make the transition, and the team seems to be happy with what they're seeing so far in camp. If Busch can hold his own at the position, he should be in line for a fairly steady amount of playing time this season.

Busch went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Thursday's Cactus League game against the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

Busch took Cincinnati fireballer Hunter Greene deep for his first home run of the spring. The 26-year-old projects to be Chicago's primary option at first base heading into the regular season. Busch has some upside and looked great in the minors last year, though he's yet to get extended run in the majors, so there may be some growing pains as he settles in with the Cubs.

Busch could see his role reduced somewhat now that Cody Bellinger has agreed to return to the Cubs, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bellinger agreed to a three-year, $80 million deal Sunday and will likely split his time between center field and first base just like he did last year. Busch is likely the top option at first whenever Bellinger is in center, but the former's role could still be reduced due to the new addition to the roster. Fantasy players will want to keep an eye on the situation, but for now, Busch may be an up-and-down option, at least in the early going as things shake out.

Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said Saturday that while Busch's ultimate position will be up to manager Craig Counsell, he expects the 26-year-old to play first base, Jared Wyllys of AllCHGO.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

"He's certainly going to play. There's no question. It's up to Craig where. I think first base is obviously a natural spot for him. He's played there a lot," Hoyer said at the team's Cubs Convention. Most of Busch's playing time with the Dodgers in 2023 came at third base, and it's possible he could wind up there if the Cubs bring in another first baseman. However, the consensus seems to be that the defensively-challenged Busch fits best at first base. If Busch is indeed confined to first, it puts a damper on Matt Mervis' dynasty outlook.

Busch was traded from the Dodgers to the Cubs along with Yency Almonte on Thursday in exchange for two unknown minor leaguers, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Busch, who fits best at first base or designated hitter, was never going to get an extended run at those positions in Los Angeles, so this boosts his fantasy value. He is currently the favorite to beat out Matt Mervis for the starting first base job, but the Cubs aren't necessarily done making moves -- they have been linked to free agent Rhys Hoskins. Busch is already 26 and needed to repeat Triple-A to master the level (102 wRC+ as a 24-year-old in 2022, 150 wRC+ as a 25-year-old in 2023), so he could still end up being a Quad-A bat when it's all said and done. The lefty-hitting slugger will be eligible at third base to start the year. With righties Patrick Wisdom, Christopher Morel and Alexander Canario all still on the roster, it's possible Busch will sit against lefties.

The Dodgers optioned Busch to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Busch slashed .111/.167/.333 across 30 plate appearances during his latest two-week stay on the major-league roster. J.D. Martinez (groin) is returning from the injured list in a corresponding move ahead of Friday's series opener against the Nationals.

Busch went 1-for-4 with a solo home run Thursday in a loss to Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

Busch hit one of four Dodgers long balls in the contest, swatting a solo shot to right field in the seventh inning. It was his second homer -- but just his third overall hit -- since being recalled from the minors Aug. 22. Busch has struggled since the promotion, slashing .130/.192/.391 with eight strikeouts over 26 plate appearances.