The Chicago Cubs’ pitching rotation is facing yet another challenge as left-handed pitcher Shota Imanaga has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a left hamstring strain. This setback comes at a critical time for the Cubs, who are currently holding a strong position in the NL Central. With Imanaga sidelined, the team will need to rely on other pitchers to step up in his absence.
Shota Imanaga’s Injury: A Tough Blow for the Cubs
Imanaga’s injury occurred during his start against the Milwaukee Brewers on May 4. In the sixth inning, while covering first base on a fielder’s choice by Christian Yelich, Imanaga injured his left hamstring. The discomfort was immediately noticeable, and he was quickly removed from the game after consulting with team trainers.
As the Cubs wait for more tests and imaging results, it seems increasingly likely that Imanaga will spend time on the 15-day IL. The injury, already described as a strain, places him on track for a significant absence, particularly given the Cubs’ current pitching struggles.
A Rocky Situation for Chicago’s Starting Rotation
The loss of Imanaga is especially difficult for the Cubs, who are already without one of their top starters, Justin Steele. Steele’s season ended prematurely due to UCL surgery, and now with Imanaga also unavailable, Chicago is left to piece together its rotation.
Signed to a lucrative four-year, $53 million contract during the 2023-24 offseason, Imanaga made a seamless transition from Nippon Professional Baseball to the majors. In his rookie season, he posted an impressive 2.91 ERA across 173 1/3 innings, a performance that helped solidify his place as a key member of the Cubs’ rotation.
Imanaga’s second season was off to a solid start, with a 2.82 ERA in 44 2/3 innings before his injury. However, while his ERA remained strong, his secondary numbers were concerning. His strikeout rate was just 18.9%, well below the league average, and he had allowed an unsettling amount of hard contact. Despite these issues, Imanaga was still delivering effective results, playing a pivotal role in the Cubs‘ rise to the top of the NL Central.
Who Will Step In for Imanaga?
With Imanaga now sidelined, the Cubs are left to figure out who will take over in the rotation. Chris Flexen, who was already working as a starter at Triple-A, appears to be the most likely candidate to fill Imanaga’s spot. Flexen made a three-inning relief appearance in Chicago’s 10-0 victory over Milwaukee earlier this week, and he could be stretched out again to start in Imanaga’s place.
If Flexen is not the answer, the Cubs may turn to other options, including Jordan Wicks from Triple-A or even top prospect Cade Horton, who could make his major league debut. However, it’s unlikely that Javier Assad will be an option anytime soon, as the right-hander is recovering from a Grade 2 oblique strain suffered while on a rehab assignment.
The Cubs’ Depth Will Be Tested
The Cubs’ pitching depth will be severely tested in the coming weeks. While Imanaga’s absence is a tough pill to swallow, the Cubs have been fortunate that other pitchers, like Jameson Taillon, Matthew Boyd, and Colin Rea, have stepped up to fill the gaps. Still, the road ahead will not be easy, as Chicago will need to find consistency in its rotation to stay competitive in a tough division.
For now, the Cubs are hopeful that Imanaga’s injury won’t derail their season entirely. As they await further news on his recovery, the team will continue to rely on their other pitchers to keep them in the hunt for the postseason.
The Cubs’ resilience will be put to the test, but with a mix of experienced arms and promising prospects, they remain a formidable force in the NL Central. Time will tell how well they can navigate this latest setback and keep their momentum going.
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