Cubs' Craig Counsell Breaks Silence on Shota Imanaga Injury

Outfielder Christian Yelich hit a grounder between first and second in the bottom of the sixth inning. Imanaga left the mound to cover first and was seen grabbing his hamstring as he ran.

The trainer and his translator advised him to leave the game. Following the loss to the Brewers, Cubs manager Craig Counsell was asked about Imanaga's injury while talking to the media.

“Yeah, he did kind of running over to first base," Counsell said. "Probably do some imaging to see what’s going on. He’s never had any lower body muscle strains, so he’s a little unsure of what the feeling means, but he felt something for sure, so we’ll just get it checked out tomorrow and go from there.”

In 5 2/3 innings played, Imanaga allowed four hits, two runs, and one walk while delivering four strikeouts. He has easily been the most reliable starting pitcher for the Cubs this season.

Time will tell how long Imanaga might be sidelined if the injury proves serious. Either way, it’s a tough blow for the Cubs, who are already without Justin Steele for the 2025 MLB season. The team may now need to make roster adjustments, possibly calling up a young arm to fill the gap in the rotation.