The Chicago Cubs‘ sixth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers took a turn for the worse on Sunday. The Cubs entered Sunday’s matchup at American Family Field with a chance to sweep the Brewers.
Unfortunately, starting pitcher Shota Imanaga gave up two earned runs in the sixth inning after giving up five scoreless innings. Imanaga was making his first start after exiting his outing early against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Chicago’s 9-0 win at PNC Park on Tuesday night due to cramps.
The Cubs hoped the cramping was a “one-time thing.” But they took extra precautions this week, calling up Chris Flexen to take the role Colin Rea occupied earlier this season as a potential starter and reliever.
Chicago Cubs’ Shota Imanaga suffered another injury on Sunday
On Sunday, Imanaga exited the game with an apparent lower-body injury, per video from Marquee Sports Network. Imanaga appeared to be in pain while running to cover first base and then clutched his back thigh after a no-contact injury.
Shota Imanaga left the game after an apparent injury following this play. pic.twitter.com/dZJXzSeEoS
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) May 4, 2025
Per MSN, the injury is a hamstring strain.
Following Imanaga’s exit, Julian Merryweather gave up two runs in the sixth inning, allowing the Brewers to take a 4-0 lead. Milwaukee wound up winning the game 4-0 in front of 37,360 fans at AFF.
When talking to reporters after the game, Cubs manager Craig Counsell said that Imanaga “definitely felt something” before exiting the game. Chicago is unsure how serious the injury is until he has imaging done this week.
Imanaga’s injury complicates a rotation that lost Justin Steele in April due to an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery. Chicago must continue to explore outside options for pitching and third base help in the early season.
Imanaga entered Sunday’s game with a 3-1 record and an ERA of 2.77 in seven starts. He gave up four hits, two earned runs, one walk, and earned four strikeouts against the Brewers.
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Chicago Cubs’ manager looked worried when updating Shota Imanaga’s hamstring injury
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