Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

Shota Imanaga suffers injury during hustle play

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated May 4, 2025 5:45 PM ET

Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga left Sunday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers after suffering an injury.

For the second time in as many starts, Imanaga was forced to leave the game early due to a lower-body injury. The Cubs and Brewers were in a 0-0 game in the bottom of the sixth inning at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisc., when Imanaga had to sprint to cover first base for a potential double play.

Imanaga came up lame as he ran toward the first-base bag. He still caught the throw, but Christian Yelich was safe. Imanaga immediately grabbed at the back of his left leg.

Shota Imanaga left the game after an apparent injury following this play. pic.twitter.com/dZJXzSeEoS
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) May 4, 2025

Imanaga exited the game following the play. He ended up allowing just 4 hits and 2 earned runs in 5 2/3 innings.

The Cubs announced after the game that Imanaga was diagnosed with a left hamstring strain.

Imanaga exited his start against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday night after 5 innings due to leg cramps, but that did not turn out to be a significant issue.

Imanaga has pitched well in his second season with the Cubs. He entered Sunday with a 3-2 record and 2.82 ERA. The Cubs have been overly cautious with the 31-year-old in the past, so it would not be a surprise if he misses some time.

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

More must-reads: