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MLB: Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee Brewers May 4, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga (18) walks toward the mound to be checked out by a trainer after being injured against the Milwaukee Brewers in the sixth inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

Chicago Cubs ace has a similar injury that another top starter dealt with in 2024

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Andy Jachim | Last updated May 5, 2025 4:30 PM ET

Despite the Chicago Cubs leading the NL Central by three games entering play against the San Francisco Giants on Monday night, their pitching health has been a concern this year. Losing Justin Steele for the entire season in a few weeks ago was not news that the organization was thrilled to hear. The left-hander seemed off from the beginning of Spring Training, as his fastball velocity was down and he left plenty of breaking balls up in the zone.

Along with injuries, the bullpen having inconsistent moments have hurt the club as well. While things have gotten much better for the stable over the past few weeks, keeping things as locked in as possible with the unit entering the summer is preferred for the coaching staff. The biggest downfall for the last two years with this organization has stemmed from poor bullpen performances, and the front office does not want that to be the case in 2025.

Shota Imanaga leaving his second consecutive start on Sunday was a major concern for Cubs fans everywhere. The team’s new ace had to leave his start last Tuesday against the Pirates due to leg cramps and was lifted on Sunday on the road against Milwaukee with a hamstring strain. Based on Steele’s strained hamstring a season ago, Chicago has to be prepared to lose Imanaga for a brief period of time.

Shota Imanaga has a similar injury to Justin Steele’s last year

Steele strained his hamstring on Opening Day against the Rangers last season and missed over a month because of the injury. His strain was considered Grade One, which is the most mild strain possible. Despite this, Steele was out from March 28 to May 6 and missed his turn in the rotation numerous times.

If this is the best case scenario for Imanaga, the Cubs front office and coaching staff needs to be prepared to be without him for the time being. The second year pro has been dealing so far this season, as he currently holds a 2.82 ERA to pair with his 1.10 WHIP in eight starts. Imanaga has tossed in 44.2 innings so far this season and has a 3-2 record.

The Chicago Cubs have to overcome losing Imanaga and Steele

MLB: San Diego Padres at Chicago Cubs MLB: San Diego Padres at Chicago Cubs Apr 4, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga (18) throws the ball against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

One obvious option for the Cubs to go to when addressing the help that their rotation needs is currently sitting in Triple-A. Cade Horton has been on fire so far this season with the Iowa Cubs and the 2022 first-round draft choice could be making his big league debut any day now based on how thin the organization is with starting pitching.

If the front office wants Horton to get more time in Triple-A to prepare him for life in the big leagues, Chris Flexen would be the arm to move from the bullpen to the rotation. Similar to Horton, the veteran right-hander dominated Triple-A in five starts before earning a promotion last week. Flexen made his Cub debut in the 10-0 rout of the Brewers last Friday at American Family Field where he tossed three innings in relief to end the contest.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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