On Wednesday, Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell confirmed to 670 The Score that the team was making several roster moves with the pitching staff. The Cubs are dealing with several injury concerns there this week.
Starting pitcher Justin Steele is gone for the season after he suffered an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery.
On Tuesday night, Shota Imanaga exited the Cubs’ 9-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates early due to pain. He reportedly experienced cramping.
On Wednesday, the Cubs called up Chris Flexen from Triple-A.
The Chicago Cubs make a flurry of roster moves at pitcher
Per 670 The Score, Counsell confirmed Flexen is active and will occupy a flex role like Colin Rea had to begin the season, where he can be used as a starting pitcher or as a reliever. Javier Assad has been moved to the 60-day injured list.
Tom Cosgrove, whom the Cubs called up on April 27, has been optioned.
Chris Flexen has joined the Cubs and is active, Craig Counsell says.
The Cubs have optioned Tom Cosgrove, and Javier Assad will be moved to the 60-day injured list.
Flexen will fill "the Colin Rea role" that Rea had to start the season.
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) April 30, 2025
Uncertainty with Shota Imanaga
The move to give the Cubs another potential starting pitcher with Flexen comes as the team is uncertain about Imanaga.
Counsell stated that Imanaga is feeling “good” after his early exit against the Pirates. However, the team is hopeful but unsure if the issue will persist.
“Shota Imanaga is feeling “good” after suffering from leg cramps in his outing yesterday, Craig Counsell says. He’ll have a “normal day” today with a focus on more hydration. The Cubs are hopeful it’s a “one-time thing,” Counsell says.”
Shota Imanaga is feeling "good" after suffering from leg cramps in his outing yesterday, Craig Counsell says.
He'll have a "normal day" today with a focus on more hydration.
The Cubs are hopeful it's a "one-time thing," Counsell says.
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) April 30, 2025
Imanaga has been a key pitcher for the Cubs’ starting rotation this season. He’s 3-1 on the mound with an ERA of 2.77 through 39 innings pitched in seven starts. He’s thrown 30 strikeouts and allowed 13 walks.
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Chicago Cubs may have no choice but to call up top pitching prospect
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