UNC Baseball: Michael Busch hits first MLB Home Run

Former UNC Baseball standout Michael Busch hit his first career MLB home run against the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday.

After spending two seasons with the UNC Baseball program, Busch was drafted in the first round in the 2019 MLB draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Busch was primarily a first baseman during his tenure with North Carolina, but the Dodgers have played him at multiple positions, including second base, third base, and the outfield during his rookie year.

The Dodgers’ second-ranked prospect took Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Gavin Williams deep in the top of the 4th inning on a first pitching breaking ball. Busch’s homer left the ballpark at 99.1 miles-per-hour with a 32° launch angle and traveled 401 feet to center field. This home run ultimately broke the 2-2 tie for the Dodgers in a game they won 9-3.

Busch spent four seasons in the Dodgers farm system where he peaked as their number two prospect in their entire system. He hit a combined .282 average, with 76 home runs and 259 runs batted in over 347 total games. Busch has hit an impressive .323 in his 88 games in 2023 with the Dodgers Triple-A affiliate the Tulsa Drillers.

The Dodgers originally called Busch up to the MLB on April 25th, 2023, on which he recorded his first MLB hit against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The primary third basemen has struggled to stay in the majors as he has been optioned back to the minors twice since being called up.

During his time in the majors, Busch is batting .192 with one home run, six runs batted in, and one stolen base through just 52 at-bats.

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