MLB: Chicago Cubs at Los Angeles Dodgers Apr 12, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga (18) and pitcher Matthew Boyd (16) before the game at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

The Chicago Cubs get a positive injury update on their Ace

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Zack Cariola | Last updated May 19, 2025 6:51 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs have been lucky this season and haven’t had too many injuries outside of Justin Steele, who will miss the rest of the year after undergoing Tommy John surgery. The only other injuries the Cubs have dealt with have been with Ian Happ, who has been dealing with an oblique issue.

Luckily for the Cubs, Happ should be back soon, and the other main contributors to their lineup have remained relatively healthy. Thankfully, too, Cubs manager Craig Counsell has given the media and fans a positive update on Shota Imanaga, who has been out with a hamstring injury.

Counsell gives an update on Imanaga

According to Marquee Sports Network anchor Taylor McGregor, who recorded Craig Counsell saying that he and the Cubs expect Imanaga to progress to throwing off the mound at the end of next week, and that he is expected to return sometime “well into June.” Imanaga sustained the injury when the Cubs played the Milwaukee Brewers.

“Per Craig Counsell, #Cubs Shota Imanaga will begin throwing off a mound towards the end of next week. He said his return will be “well into June.”

Per Craig Counsell, #Cubs Shota Imanaga will begin throwing off a mound towards the end of next week. He said his return will be “well into June.”

— Taylor McGregor (@Taylor_McGregor) May 19, 2025

The Chicago Cubs could use Imanaga

MLB: Texas Rangers at Chicago Cubs Apr 9, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga (right) celebrates with catcher Miguel Amaya (left) after ending the top of the fourth inning against the Texas Rangers at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

The Cubs have held their own since Imanaga went to the injured list, and having him back will certainly give them a boost. Overall, for this season, Imanaga has a record of 3-2 with a 2.82 ERA in eight starts.

Having Imanaga back will bring back the anchor to the rotation that the Cubs have been without. If his timeline is “well into June,” then that will likely land him at the end of the month when the Cubs schedule ticks up a bit.

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

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

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