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Cubs Make Unfortunate Shota Imanaga Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Mike Ostrowski | Last updated May 5, 2025 4:47 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs are already without Justin Steele for the remainder of 2025, and now another of their top arms is hitting the shelf due to injury.

Left-hander Shota Imanaga was removed from Sunday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers with an apparent leg injury. Imanaga held his side after covering first base on a groundout, and he was unable to continue, leaving the game with two outs in the sixth inning.

Today's roster decision confirmed the rotation is getting even thinner, as Imanaga is heading to the 15-day injured list with a left hamstring strain.

In a corresponding move, the club recalled Gavin Hollowell from Triple-A.

Today's roster moves: pic.twitter.com/yd6AWTFcZq
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) May 5, 2025

Imanaga had pitched to a 2.82 ERA with a 1.10 WHIP in 44.2 innings. Only Tylor Megill has a lower ERA in the Cubbies rotation.

If Shota only misses three starts, it won't be a disastrous loss for Chicago, but further setbacks could jeopardize the strong start to the season they've built.

The Cubs currently sit at 21-14, first in the National League Central but not good enough for a first round bye in the Postseason. While their grip on a rather weak division might not slip, chances of avoiding the best-of-three opening series aren't likely to improve with him out.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell has not yet made a decision on who will fill Imanaga's spot in the rotation. It's not Hollowell, a career reliever who will join the North Side's bullpen.

Chris Flexen, who started 30 games for the other MLB team in town last season, is a likely candidate - he pitched three innings in his lone Cubs appearance last Friday. With every Thursday in May off, the team has some flexibility to work with in making this decision.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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