A third of the way through the Major League Baseball season, the Chicago Cubs are sitting pretty near the top of the National League standings. Their presence as leaders in the NL Central is attributed not just to their explosive offense, but also to the chatter around their pitching rotation. As media, scouts, and fans weigh in, there’s a common consensus: the Cubs could benefit from bolstering their starting pitching lineup.
But there’s good news on the horizon. Shota Imanaga, who has been absent due to a hamstring strain he suffered on May 4 against the Brewers, is making solid strides in his recovery. According to updates from MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian, Imanaga’s rehab is going smoothly, and he could rejoin the Cubs’ roster before the month wraps up.
In his recent outing with the Arizona Rookie League team, Imanaga showed just why his return is eagerly awaited. Over four innings, he allowed no runs, walked none, and struck out eight, giving up only four hits across two starts in his rehab. All eyes will be on his upcoming start with the Cubs’ Triple-A team in Iowa this Friday. If Imanaga continues on this trajectory, he might just be back in action for the Cubs when they face the Cardinals on June 25 or 26 in St. Louis.
Reflecting on Imanaga’s rookie year, it’s easy to remember why he’s such a pivotal part of the Cubs’ strategy. With a sterling 15-3 record and a 2.91 ERA, his Rookie of the Year and Cy Young votes were well-deserved accolades. Already this year, before his untimely injury, Imanaga was shaping up to be the ace their rotation needs.
The Cubs’ front office has been rumored to be exploring additional pitching options ahead of the July trade deadline, with Marlins’ Sandy Alcantara and Edward Cabrera among the names bandied about. The potential return of Imanaga might ease those trade talks a bit, providing the team with the left-handed power they need on the mound. If Imanaga’s performance aligns with his rookie season, the Cubs may find their pitching lineup in a significantly stronger position.
