Wed May 07 02:30:00 UTC 2025: **Cubs Pitcher Imanaga Hit with Hamstring Injury, Future Uncertain**
Chicago, IL – Chicago Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a mild left hamstring strain, the team announced Monday. The injury occurred while covering first base during Sunday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers.
The 31-year-old, who signed a four-year, $53 million contract with the Cubs in January 2024, has had a strong season so far, boasting a 3-2 record and a 2.82 ERA in eight starts. While he experienced leg cramps in his previous outing, doctors have determined no direct link between the two incidents.
Imanaga plans to maintain his arm strength through light throwing while his hamstring heals, expressing optimism about the injury being a lower-body issue. However, the timeline for his recovery remains uncertain, as this is his first hamstring injury. He has already consulted with Justin Steele, a Cubs pitcher who experienced a similar injury last year, though Steele is currently sidelined with an elbow injury.
The injury adds to the Cubs’ pitching woes. With Justin Steele out for the season and Javier Assad on the injured list with an oblique injury, the team is scrambling to fill the rotation. Manager Craig Counsell stated that the Cubs have yet to determine who will replace Imanaga in the starting rotation for Saturday’s game against the New York Mets, with top prospect Cade Horton and Chris Flexen among potential replacements. The Cubs remain in first place in the NL Central despite the mounting pitching concerns.
First Piper 