Tommy La Stella is at leadoff for Cubs on Thursday

Chicago Cubs infielder Tommy La Stella is batting leadoff on Thursday night against the Atlanta Braves.

What It Means:

Wednesday was LaStelle's first game since June 7, but he is slashing .289/.375/.482 in 94 plate appearances on the season.

His 0.48 nERD only ranks 129th in the majors, but his .364 wOBA and .193 ISO are both career-highs. Our models currently project him to post a .307 wOBA in 96 appearances at the plate over the remainder of the year.