Shota Imanaga Begins Rehab Assignment with Encouraging Performance
Shota Imanaga took a key step toward rejoining the Chicago Cubs’ rotation by making his first rehab start with the Arizona Complex League (ACL) Cubs on Monday.
The outing followed a 37-pitch bullpen session on Saturday, signaling that Imanaga may be nearing a return before the All-Star break.
Strong Start in Rehab Appearance
Imanaga, 31, started against the ACL Rockies and delivered two impressive innings. He allowed just one hit—a triple by Rockies prospect Luis Mendez—while striking out four batters.
Despite scorching 106-degree temperatures at game time, Imanaga showed sharpness, beginning the game with a strikeout, a flyout, then bouncing back from the lone hit with another strikeout to end the inning.
He then retired the side in order in the second frame, inducing a groundout followed by two strikeouts.
The Cubs have not yet announced his next rehab appearance, but it’s typical for pitchers to make one rehab start per week. Since he only pitched two innings, he may get another outing with a full-season affiliate by the weekend.
Recovery Timeline and Impact on Cubs
Imanaga has been sidelined since May 5 due to a left hamstring strain and has been on the 15-day injured list for over a month. He is expected to need at least one or two more minor league starts before being reactivated.
Before the injury, Imanaga was 3-2 with a 2.82 ERA across eight starts, striking out 34 and walking 14 in 44.2 innings. His return is crucial for the Cubs, particularly with fellow lefty Justin Steele out for the season after elbow surgery.
Cubs Rotation and Trade Deadline Outlook
Despite injuries, the Cubs have remained competitive in the National League, largely thanks to their offense.
Rookie Cade Horton, recently promoted, has performed well, earning three wins in his first five starts. The current rotation includes Jameson Taillon, Matthew Boyd, Ben Brown, and Colin Rea.
With Imanaga still working his way back and depth a concern, MLB insiders expect the Cubs to be active at the trade deadline in pursuit of another starting pitcher.
