Shota Imanaga is driving Cubs' momentum in NL wild-card race

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Shota Imanaga is driving Cubs' momentum in NL wild-card race

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Jul 19, 2026 9:45 PM ET

Despite a 2026 roller coaster ride season for the Chicago Cubs, they remain first in the NL wild-card race and starting pitcher Shota Imanaga's stability in the rotation has helped them make a push.

In his last seven starts, he has compiled a 2.31 ERA across 39 innings pitched, and the Cubs have held a 4-3 record during that stretch.

A strong indication that the 32-year-old southpaw is performing like his 2024 dominant rookie self, where he sported a 15-3 record with a 2.91 ERA and 174 strikeouts.

In his most recent gem on Sunday, he pitched seven dominant shutout innings and allowed only six hits and one walk with four strikeouts in the Cubs' 10-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins. His masterclass performance was also tied for the longest scoreless start of his career, adding to his hot streak this season.

Shota Imanaga in his last 7 starts:

39.0 IP
2.31 ERA

Cubs are 4-3 in those games. pic.twitter.com/mc4bM3xwxt
— StatMuse (@statmuse) July 19, 2026

Shota Imanaga's reliability has helped spark the Cubs' recent momentum

Since June 10, Imanaga has logged a stellar 2.31 ERA with 35 strikeouts, resurging from his rough four-game stretch from May 18 to June 4, where he recorded a 10.80 ERA.

As well, he's come a long way from his 5.80 ERA in May and has settled in with a 3.91 ERA with 109 strikeouts and a 1.11 WHIP across 115 innings pitched.

His ability to eat up innings has been his biggest strength, as he's tossed seven innings four times this season (season high). Overall, his durability has made him a bright spot in a rotation that's been hit with injuries and struggles. His stability has allowed them to battle through their inconsistencies and remain in the top spot in the NL Wild Card standings.

So far in July, he has sported a 2.79 ERA across 9 and 2/3 innings pitched with 11 hits, three earned runs, only two home runs and four walks with 13 strikeouts. Imanaga's 37.4 % chase rate, which ranks in the 98th percentile, has helped him generate swing-and-miss dominance while also stranding base runners from scoring.

Shota Imanaga is the best at shutting down the running game this season. A 7 on Bases Prevented is the top mark in baseball, two ahead of Taj Bradley. Runners are not going anywhere when Imanaga is on the mound. pic.twitter.com/r96WAdgQYp
— Pitch Profiler (@pitchprofiler) July 17, 2026

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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