Frequently Asked Questions
How has Shōta Imanaga been pitching lately for the Cubs?
Imanaga has struggled badly over his last six starts, posting a 5.22 ERA while allowing 11 home runs in just 29.1 innings. In his most recent outing, a 7-5 loss to the Cincinnati Reds, he gave up three home runs and six runs in five innings.
Did Shōta Imanaga set any records against the Cincinnati Reds?
Yes, Imanaga's performance against the Reds set a new MLB record for a left-handed pitcher for most games allowing three or more home runs in a single outing stretch.
Will the Cubs use Imanaga in the postseason?
It looks very unlikely. The Cubs couldn't trust him to start a playoff game last year either, as Craig Counsell skipped him for the do-or-die Game 5 in the NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers, and his current struggles make a postseason start even harder to justify.
What did Craig Counsell say about Imanaga's spot in the rotation after the bad outing?
Despite the rough performance against Cincinnati, Counsell publicly backed Imanaga and confirmed that his spot in the Cubs' starting rotation remains intact.
Who are the Cubs' other starting rotation options if Imanaga continues to struggle?
Ben Brown has suffered a setback, Justin Steele would only be used out of the bullpen in short stints if he returns, and Edward Cabrera has already been removed from the rotation, leaving Javier Assad as the most likely alternative to step up in September.
Aldo Soto
With a journalism degree from Eastern Illinois University and a decade of Cubs reporting, my work has appeared on 670 The Score, ESPN 1000, and the Pinwheels and Ivy Podcast. I cover Cubs news and analysis for Sports Mockery, including roster moves, game breakdowns, and prospect development.
View All Posts