Chicago Cubs

Patrick Wisdom is back in the lineup for the Chicago Cubs against the New York Mets Thursday. (Source: Chicago Cubs on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Wisdom returns after sitting out Wednesday for manager Craig Counsell, occupying the designated hitter spot and batting sixth against the Mets Thursday.

Dansby Swanson is missing from the lineup for the Chicago Cubs against the New York Mets Thursday. (Source: Chicago Cubs on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Swanson will take a seat on the bench for rest reasons, with Nico Hoerner starting at shortstop and batting leadoff against the Mets for manager Craig Counsell Thursday.

Shota Imanaga delivered a masterful performance, tossing seven scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and one walk while striking out seven in a tight 1-0 win over the Mets on Wednesday.

Fantasy Impact: This outing further cements his status as a top-tier fantasy option, lowering his ERA to an impressive 0.78 and WHIP to 0.75 through six starts this season. His consistent strikeout ability, evidenced by a 9.1 K/9 rate, combined with exceptional control (8.75 K/BB ratio), makes him a must-start in all fantasy formats. Given his low BABIP of .220, some regression might be expected, but his elite skill set suggests he can mitigate any potential backslide. Fantasy managers should continue to deploy Imanaga with confidence.

Michael Busch returns to the lineup for the Chicago Cubs against the New York Mets Wednesday. (Source: Chicago Cubs on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Busch is back after taking a seat on the bench for rest reasons Tuesday, batting fifth and starting at first base for manager Craig Counsell against the Mets Wednesday.

Kyle Hendricks will make a rehab start Thursday with Dobule-A Tennessee. (Source: Meghan Montemurro on Twitter )

Fantasy Impact: Hendricks is starting his rehab assignment after landing on the injured list on April 23 with a back injury. The Cubs should provide a timetable for a potential return after his rehab start.

Javier Assad delivered a solid performance, allowing just one earned run on five hits over five innings in the Cubs' 4-2 loss to the Mets on Tuesday.

Fantasy Impact: Despite the loss, Assad's outing was efficient, characterized by his ability to avoid walks and limit damage, albeit with only one strikeout. This season, Assad has maintained an impressive 1.97 ERA and 1.00 WHIP through six starts, underscoring his reliability in a fantasy rotation.

Cade Horton has been moved up to Triple-A Iowa. (Source: Tommy Birch on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: The Cubs' No. 2 prospect per MLB.com, Horton has dominated in his brief time at the Double-A level this year, allowing only two earned runs on 13 hits and two walks while racking up 18 strikeouts across 16 1/3 innings. The 22-year-old righty will now get his first crack against Triple-A competition. If Horton succeeds there, he could be well on the way toward his big-league debut later this year.

Ian Happ struggled at the plate in the Cubs' 3-1 win over the Mets, going 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and a walk.

Fantasy Impact: This performance is a continuation of what has been a challenging season for Happ, whose batting average lingers at a modest .222 through 26 games. His on-base skills are still evident with a decent walk rate of .138, but the lack of impactful hits and a high strikeout rate are concerning for fantasy managers. Given his current form, it might be wise to consider benching Happ until he shows signs of a turnaround, especially in leagues where batting average is a critical category.

Christopher Morel contributed significantly in the Cubs' 3-1 victory over the Mets, delivering a crucial home run.

Fantasy Impact: Morel went 1-for-4 with a home run, two RBI, and one run scored. Despite a sluggish start to the season with a .212 batting average and modest power numbers, this game could be a sign of Morel finding his rhythm at the plate. His power stroke, evidenced by his fourth homer of the season, needs to be more consistent to boost his fantasy value.

Hector Neris secured his fourth save of the season, tossing a hitless inning while striking out two and walking two in the Cubs' 3-1 win over the Mets.

Fantasy Impact: Despite allowing a pair of walks, Neris managed to navigate through the Mets' lineup without surrendering a run, maintaining his role as a key component in high-pressure situations. His season-long WHIP of 1.80 and ERA of 3.60, coupled with a concerning 0.91 K/BB ratio, suggest volatility, but his ability to close games can't be ignored in fantasy circles.

Jameson Taillon delivered a solid performance, allowing just one earned run on four hits and a walk while striking out one over 7.1 innings in the Cubs' 3-1 win over the Mets on Monday.

Fantasy Impact: Despite the low strikeout total, Taillon's ability to limit base runners and control the game was evident, as he maintained a stellar 1.50 ERA and 0.94 WHIP through his first three starts of the season. His low strikeout rate of 4.5 K/9 might be a concern for fantasy managers looking for more punchouts, but his excellent control and efficiency in preventing runs make him a reliable option in most fantasy formats.

Nico Hoerner is hitting .344 with seven RBI, one walk, and one stolen base in his last 15 games.

Fantasy Impact: Hoerner is slashing .282/.359/.369 with seven RBI, one stolen base and 29 hits this season. His batting average is good for 13th in the NL and his 18 runs scored are 14th in the NL this season. Fantasy managers should feel comfortable leaving the 26-year-old in their lineups.

Ben Brown is scheduled to start Thursday for the Cubs. (Source: MLB.com)

Fantasy Impact: Brown will draw the start against the Mets with Kyle Hendricks (back) on the 15-day IL. The 24-year-old has a 4.30 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP in seven games this season.

Mike Tauchman hit a three-run home run on Sunday against the Red Sox.

Fantasy Impact: Tauchman launched a game-tying three-run home run in the eighth inning. He is now slashing .294/.429/.500 with three home runs on the season.

Hayden Wesneski allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits over four innings on Sunday against the Red Sox.

Fantasy Impact: Wesneski added three strikeouts and one walk on 63 pitches. He is scheduled to face the Brewers next.

The Cubs have called up Richard Lovelady from Triple-A Iowa. (Source: Meghan Montemurro on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Lovelady has appeared in 10 games for Triple-A Iowa, posting a 5.84 ERA and a 1.86 WHIP in 12 1/3 innings pitched. He will provide the Cubs with another left-handed pitcher in the bullpen.

The Cubs have optioned Brandon Little to Triple-A Iowa. (Source: Meghan Montemurro on Twitter )

Fantasy Impact: Little has struggled in 10 appearances with the Cubs, posting a 7.00 ERA and a 1.67 WHIP over nine innings pitched. Richard Lovelady was recalled from Iowa in a corresponding move.

The Cubs have recalled Daniel Palencia from Triple-A Iowa. (Source: Meghan Montemurro on Twitter )

Fantasy Impact: Palencia has struggled this season in Triple-A, posting a 7.36 ERA and a 1.64 WHIP in four games. He will provide some depth in the Cubs’ bullpen.

The Cubs have placed Jordan Wicks on the 15-day IL with a left forearm strain. (Source: Meghan Montemurro on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Wicks was scratched from his start Sunday due to left forearm tightness. He will likely undergo further testing before the Cubs determine a potential timeline for his return.

The Red Sox have acquired Garrett Cooper from the Cubs in exchange for cash. (Source: Chris Cotillo on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Cooper will likely see plenty of playing time at first base with Triston Casas on the injured list. Cooper was hitting .270, with one home run, and six RBI in 37 at-bats before being designated for assignment by the Cubs.