MILWAUKEE — The Chicago Cubs faced yet another setback in their pitching rotation as left-hander Shota Imanaga exited Sunday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers with a strained left hamstring. This adds to the mounting injury woes for the NL Central leaders, who are scrambling for stability on the mound amidst a critical stretch of the season.
Imanaga’s injury came as he charged towards first base to cover a potential double play during a tense moment in the sixth inning, with the game still scoreless at that point. It was a tough break not just for Imanaga but for the Cubs, who already witnessed him leave his previous start due to cramping in both legs.
“We’ll probably do some imaging to see what’s going on,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding Imanaga’s condition. “He’s never had any lower body muscle strains, so he’s a little unsure of what the feeling means. But he felt something, for sure, so we’ll just get it checked out tomorrow and go from there.”
While the team prepares for next steps, including potential imaging, Counsell acknowledged that they need more information before deciding if Imanaga will require a stint on the injured list. This concern looms large, especially with left-hander Justin Steele already sidelined for the season due to an elbow injury and right-hander Javier Assad currently on the IL with an oblique problem.
Should Imanaga land on the injured list, the Cubs have some options including Chris Flexen, who could step into a starting role, along with Cade Horton waiting in the wings at Triple-A Iowa. Additionally, the Cubs are scheduled for off days on Thursday and May 15, which could provide some much-needed flexibility for the pitching staff.
As the injury unfolded, it was evident that the discomfort Imanaga felt was serious. He was visibly limping as he made his way to the dugout after the incident, where Cubs officials promptly checked on him. Prior to this outing, Imanaga had pitched admirably, contributing to the Cubs’ dominance over the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 9-0 victory, and expressing feeling “amazing” before Sunday’s game.
“I’m at the point where I don’t know exactly what’s going on,” said Imanaga, speaking through a translator. “I don’t know what the damage is. We’ll have to see going into tomorrow.”
Imanaga, 31, has proven to be a valuable asset since signing a four-year, $53 million contract with the Cubs in January 2024. With an impressive 18-5 record and a 2.89 ERA, he even finished fourth in the NL Rookie of the Year voting last season. His ability to perform would be sorely missed if he has to take time off.
The situation grew even more concerning for the Cubs in the ninth inning when star outfielder Kyle Tucker appeared to hurt himself while sliding into second base during a double steal. Although he received medical attention, Tucker remained in the game and later conveyed optimism that he would be clear to play when the Cubs kick off their series against the San Francisco Giants on Monday.
“He felt a little something in his right hip when we went out there, then he thought it went away,” Counsell shared. “We’ll check on him tomorrow, but (we’re) pretty optimistic.”
Meanwhile, the Brewers weren’t without their own injury troubles. Right fielder Sal Frelick was forced to leave the game in the fourth due to discomfort in his left knee and underwent an MRI following the contest. Additionally, right-hander Freddy Peralta exited the game after throwing 89 pitches in six innings due to groin discomfort, though he reassured that it wasn’t a serious concern.
“I didn’t want anything to get worse or something like that, but it’s nothing that I think I have to be concerned about,” Peralta stated post-game.
As both teams navigate these injuries, the landscape of the NL Central could shift dramatically in the days ahead.
