Cubs' Shota Imanaga: Dealing with mild hamstring issue
Rotowire
Imanaga has been diagnosed with a mild left hamstring strain that is expected to hold him out for more than two weeks, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports.
This update likely means that Imanaga will miss more than the minimum while on the injured list. Manager Craig Counsell stated that the two-week timeline was set as a precaution, so it doesn't appear that the club is in any hurry to rush the southpaw back into action. A clearer timeline for Imanaga's return should come into focus as he begins to make progress in his rehab.
... See More... See Less
Cubs' Shota Imanaga: Goes on IL with hamstring strain
Rotowire
The Cubs placed Imanaga (hamstring) on the 15-day injured list Monday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Imanaga will hit the shelf after straining his left hamstring in his start during Sunday's loss to the Brewers. Though he underwent an MRI on Monday that confirmed the injury, the severity of the hamstring strain isn't known, making it uncertain whether Imanaga will have a chance at being ready to return from the IL when first eligible May 20. The Cubs haven't named an immediate replacement in the rotation for Imanaga, but Chris Flexen could be moved from the bullpen into a starting role, or prospect Cade Horton could be called up from Triple-A Iowa to fill the void.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell said after Sunday's 4-0 loss to the Brewers that Imanaga will undergo an MRI on his strained left hamstring before a determination is made regarding whether he'll be able to make his next start, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.
Imanaga was cruising along nicely during his eighth start of the season before sustaining his injury while attempting to cover first base in the fifth inning. He exited the game and was ultimately dealt his second loss of the season after getting charged with two earned runs on four hits and one walk over his 5.2 frames. Counsell noted that Imanaga doesn't have a history of lower-body muscle strains from which to compare his injury, so the Cubs will send him in for imaging to glean more information about the severity of the hamstring issue. Imanaga tentatively lines up to make his next start against the Mets next weekend.
... See More... See Less
Cubs' Shota Imanaga: Dealing with hamstring strain
Rotowire
Imanaga was diagnosed with a left hamstring strain after being removed from Sunday's game against the Brewers, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
The left-hander suffered the injury during the sixth inning while attempting to cover first base on an attempted double play. Imanaga pitched well prior to the injury and finished with two runs allowed and four strikeouts across 5.2 innings. The severity of the strain isn't yet known, leaving his availability for his next turn through the rotation up in the air.
... See More... See Less
Cubs' Shota Imanaga: Leaves start early Sunday
Rotowire
Imanaga was removed from his start Sunday against the Brewers midway through the sixth inning due to an apparent leg injury, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. He struck out four batters and was charged with two earned runs on four hits and one walk over 5.2 innings before departing.
The Cubs haven't provided an official word on Imanaga's injury, but the lefty was moving around with a noticeable limp after covering first base as the defense unsuccessfully tried to turn a double play. Reliever Julian Merryweather came on in relief and allowed both of his inherited baserunners to score to break a 0-0 tie, so Imanaga will likely be on the hook for a loss unless the Cubs offense can rally over the final three innings. Expect the team to provide an update on the nature and severity of Imanaga's injury after the game, leaving his availability for his next turn through the rotation next weekend versus the Mets up in the air for the moment.
... See More... See Less
Cubs' Shota Imanaga: Expected to be fine for next start
Rotowire
Cubs manager Craig Counsell said that Imanaga (leg) feels "good" and was slated to have a "normal" in-between starts workout Wednesday, 670TheScore.com reports.
Imanaga had to depart Tuesday's outing in Pittsburgh in the sixth inning due to leg cramps. He will focus on staying hydrated in between starts and the Cubs are hopeful it's just a one-time thing. Imanaga is slated to face the Brewers in Milwaukee on Sunday.
Imanaga was removed from his start Tuesday against the Pirates due to leg cramps, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Imanaga appeared to wince after throwing a pitch to Andrew McCutchen in the sixth inning, which prompted a visit from the Cubs' training staff. He left the game after pitching five shutout innings, and his status for his next start -- tentatively scheduled for Sunday against Milwaukee -- is uncertain.
... See More... See Less
Cubs' Shota Imanaga: Settles for no-decision vs. Dodgers
Rotowire
Imanaga didn't factor into the decision against the Dodgers on Tuesday after allowing five runs (two earned) on six hits and two walks in 5.2 innings. He struck out six.
The star left-hander was working against a vaunted Dodgers lineup and also the wind blowing out toward center field, but he fared well for the most part in spite of the difficult circumstances. Tommy Edman's first-inning three-run jack carried a bit into deep center field, but Gage Workman's fielding error earlier in the frame meant all three runs were unearned. Imanaga tied a career high with three homers allowed Tuesday, but he'll carry a strong 2.38 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 27:12 K:BB across 34 innings into a much softer matchup against the Pirates in his next scheduled start. As a team, Pittsburgh entered Tuesday ranked 28th in MLB in slugging percentage (.320).
Imanaga came away with a no-decision in Tuesday's 2-1 extra-inning win over the Padres, giving up one unearned run on four hits and three walks over five innings. He struck out seven.
After escaping jams in the third and fourth innings, Imanaga's luck ran out in the fifth when both Kyle Tucker and Gage Workman dropped pop flies in foul territory, giving Manny Machado a third life which he used to launch a solo homer. It was the only blemish on the southpaw's line, as he tossed 64 of 93 pitches for strikes before exiting. Imanaga will take a 2.22 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 21:10 K:BB through 28.1 innings over five starts into his next outing, which lines up to come at home early next week against the Dodgers.
Imanaga (2-1) took the loss Wednesday against the Rangers, allowing five runs on seven hits and a walk over five innings. He struck out four.
It was a tough day for Imanaga, who allowed a solo home run to Corey Seager in the first inning before he was tagged for a four-spot in the fifth, highlighted by a two-run Jonah Heim homer. Imanaga had been rolling to start the year, allowing just two runs through his first 18.1 innings coming into the day while posting a 0.71 WHIP. The left-hander's ERA now sits at 2.70 following his first loss. Imanaga will look to get back on track in his next outing, tentatively lined up for next week in San Diego.
5:55
6:05
1:11
0:52
9:37
10:26
11:03
10:34
1:03
8:44
0:59
8:47
0:30
9:30
0:45
8:42
9:16
9:29
6:54
