Lineup Clarity? Busch Locked In, Swanson Stays Down

And honestly, that feels right.

Busch Returns Home and He’s on Fire

The former top Dodgers prospect is coming home quite literally. Busch grew up in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, just a short drive from Target Field. This week’s games carry a little extra weight, and the timing could not be better. Busch has been red hot since late June, slashing .292 with an OPS north of .930 over his last dozen games. He has looked confident, composed, and in a rhythm that looks unbreakable.

It is easy to see why manager Craig Counsell has kept him in the five spot. Busch is seeing more fastballs, especially with hitters like Seiya Suzuki and Pete Crow-Armstrong providing protection in front of him. 

The at-bats are more competitive, the swings more decisive. For a team that has such a top-heavy part of the order, the offense is becoming lethal all throughout with the help of Busch in the middle.

Swanson’s Slide Makes Sense

Then there is Dansby Swanson.

The former All-Star shortstop has had a frustrating season at the plate. The power has been streaky, and the whiffs have piled up. Over his last 15 games, Swanson is hitting just .186 with a .258 OBP. The move down the lineup is not a punishment; it is an adjustment rooted in logic. Swanson has not consistently earned a top-five spot this year, and Counsell’s recent changes reflect that. Swanson, in his career, has never been a top-of-the-lineup guy, and this move helped him out earlier in the season.

Putting Swanson behind Busch gives the lineup better flow. Busch is working deep counts, drawing walks, and slugging the ball when pitchers make mistakes. Swanson, still an elite defender, can focus on turning the lineup over rather than being tasked with run production.

A Lineup That Finally Has Structure

This version of the Cubs lineup actually makes sense. Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ have been solid, setting the table. Suzuki and PCA bring balance and pop to the heart of the order. Busch gives them another dangerous lefty presence in the middle. Now, Swanson can settle into a role that suits his current production.

There is also something to be said about stability. Counsell has always leaned on feel, and right now, the feel is that Busch is the man in the middle. That is what you want from your younger hitters. That is what gives a lineup staying power, and it is what can power them through a tough road trip.

What's On Tap Next for the Chicago Cubs

The Cubs are right where they want to be in the standings, and this lineup will help keep them there. If Busch keeps hitting, especially in front of friends and family this week, that five spot may be his for good.

As for Swanson, the path back up the lineup is still there. It just has to be earned.