The Chicago Cubs entered Sunday’s matchup with the Milwaukee Brewers hoping to earn a sweep of their NL Central rival. Instead, the Cubs were doused with a sobering reality that their starting pitching staff has another injury to worry about amid a 4-0 loss to Milwaukee in front of 37,360 fans at American Family Field.
Shota Imanaga made his first start since he had to exit Tuesday night’s 9-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates due to cramping. The Cubs hoped the issue was a “one-time thing,” but hedged their bets by calling up Chris Flexen to occupy a similar role to what Colin Rea had to begin the season.
Imanaga gave up five scoreless innings on Sunday, but exited the sixth inning in pain after giving up two runs. The Cubs are calling Imanaga’s injury a hamstring strain.
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell looks worried
Cubs manager Craig Counsell provided an update on Imanaga when talking to reporters after the game. Counsell appeared worried, letting out a loud audible sigh before saying that while Imanaga has an injury, Chicago is unsure about the extent of the injury until Imanaga has more testing.
“He did it kind of on the run over to first base,” Counsell said of how Imanaga sustained the non-contact injury. “We’ll probably do some imaging to see what’s going on. He’s never had any lower-body muscle strains, so he’s a little unsure of what the feeling means.
“He felt something for sure. So, we’ll just get it checked out tomorrow and go from there.”
Craig Counsell provided an update on Shota Imanaga after exiting today’s game with a left hamstring strain. pic.twitter.com/N6vBwy2ju3
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) May 4, 2025
Losing Shota Imanaga would hurt the shorthanded starting rotation
Imanaga has a 3-2 record, 2.82 ERA, 34 strikeouts, 14 walks, and a 1.0 WAR through eight starts and 44.2 innings pitched. The 31-year-old’s injury complicates a roster that will be without Justin Steele for the remainder of the season due to Tommy John surgery.
The Cubs are set to return to Chicago to host the San Francisco Giants on Monday at 6:40 p.m. CST.
Apr 15, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga (18) delivers during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
For More Chicago Sports:
Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks.
Chicago Cubs’ Kyle Tucker received medical ‘treatment’ after Brewers’ game: Report
Read MoreFor More Great Chicago Sports Content
Get the latest Chicago sports news, analysis, and breaking stories on the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, Sky, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, so you never miss a story on your favorite Chicago teams.
Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE
