Cardinals Get Shota Imanaga Update Before Cubs Series Finale

Imanaga hit the IL on May 4 with a left hamstring strain. In a June 20 rehab start for Triple-A Iowa, Imanaga struck out eight in four and a third shutout innings.

In his eight starts to begin his sophomore season, Imanaga registered a 2.82 ERA and a 1.097 WHIP. However, his walk numbers were up to 2.8 per nine innings, and a strikeout to walk ratio of 2.43.

This will be Imanaga’s first start versus the Cardinals in 2025. In his last start in St. Louis, dating back to August 1 of last season, the Cardinals rallied for four runs on 10 hits in a 5-4 loss.

Imanaga, being a pitcher who struggles more versus right-handed hitters, can be expected to face a righty-heavy lineup. Hitters from that side averaged .231 with a .706 OPS prior to his injury. 

Masyn Winn will be a player to watch in this matchup with a 3-for-7 career versus the Cubs’ ace, including a home run.  

Nolan Arenado can be expected to make some noise as well, with two hits and an RBI in four career plate appearances versus Imanaga.

With the current NL central standings, where the Cardinals sit 4.5 games behind the first place Cubs, winning this series is as important as ever. A series split would keep the Cardinals in the same position.

A series loss, however, would hurt big for the Cardinals’ momentum in the division.

The Cardinals were hot this past week, winning five games in a row prior to Sunday’s 4-1 loss to the Reds. The Cubs are looking to bounce back from losing a series to the Mariners.

The four-game series will begin on Monday night in St. Louis at 6:45 p.m.