Left-handed pitcher Shota Imanaga is set to rejoin the Chicago Cubs’ starting rotation early next week as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury. The right-hander, who was placed on the injured list earlier this month, has made a strong comeback in Triple-A, where he has posted a 2.21 ERA in his last three starts. Imanaga’s performance has been a bright spot for the Cubs’ pitching staff, which has struggled with consistency this season.
Cubs manager Joe Maddon expressed confidence in Imanaga’s ability to contribute upon his return. ‘Shota has worked hard to get back to full strength, and his recent outings in Triple-A have shown that he’s ready to compete at the major league level,’ Maddon said. The team plans to have Imanaga ready for the upcoming series against the St. Louis Cardinals, who are also in the thick of the NL Central race.
Imanaga’s potential return adds depth to the Cubs’ rotation, which is currently led by Yu Darvish and Patrick Wisdom. The addition of a left-handed pitcher could provide much-needed flexibility in the team’s game plan, especially against right-handed power hitters. The Cubs will be hoping that Imanaga’s presence will help elevate their overall performance as they continue their push for a playoff spot in the National League.