### Shota Imanaga's Return: A Boost for the Cubs Amid Injury Challenges - The Chicago Cubs are set to welcome back left-handed pitcher Shota Imanaga next week in St. Louis after a successful rehabilitation stint in Triple-A. Imanaga's return is particularly significant as the Cubs have faced numerous injuries within their starting rotation this season, which has raised concerns about their pitching depth. His last appearance was on May 5, when he was placed on the injured list due to a hamstring strain sustained against the Milwaukee Brewers. Manager Craig Counsell confirmed the news following Imanaga's impressive rehab start, where he showcased his readiness to rejoin the team [https://www.usnews.com/news/sports/articles/2025-06-21/lefty-shota-imanaga-will-rejoin-the-cubs-next-week-in-st-louis]. ### Breakdown of Imanaga's Return and Its Implications 1. **Rehabilitation Success**: Imanaga's rehab included two starts, where he pitched a total of six innings, striking out eight batters without allowing any walks. This performance indicates he is in good form to return to the major leagues [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/cubs_receive_encouraging_injury_update_on_lefty_ace/s1_13132_42338258]. 2. **Impact on Cubs' Rotation**: The Cubs have been dealing with a series of injuries to their pitching staff, making Imanaga's return crucial. His presence is expected to strengthen the rotation, which has been under pressure this season [https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs/2025/06/21/cubs-shota-imanaga-injury-il-cardinals-colin-rea-ben-brown-cade-horton-matthew-boyd-shoulder]. 3. **Future Decisions**: With Imanaga's return, the Cubs will need to make strategic decisions regarding their starting rotation. This could involve evaluating the performance of other pitchers currently in the rotation and determining the best fit for the team moving forward [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/45541034/cubs-evaluate-shota-imanaga-triple-start]. ### Supporting Evidence of Imanaga's Performance - **Rehab Start Statistics**: - **Innings Pitched**: 6 - **Strikeouts**: 8 - **Walks**: 0 - **Hits Allowed**: 4 - **Shutout Innings**: 4 in one start [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/cubs_receive_encouraging_injury_update_on_lefty_ace/s1_13132_42338258]. ### Conclusion: A Positive Outlook for the Cubs - **Imanaga's return is a significant boost for the Cubs** as they navigate a challenging season marked by injuries. His successful rehab performance suggests he is ready to contribute effectively to the team. - **Key Points**: 1. Imanaga's impressive rehab performance indicates he is fit to return. 2. His return will help alleviate the strain on the Cubs' pitching rotation. 3. The Cubs will need to assess their rotation strategy with Imanaga back in the mix. Overall, the Cubs are optimistic about Imanaga's impact as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in the National League [https://www.thespec.com/sports/baseball/lefty-shota-imanaga-will-rejoin-the-cubs-next-week-in-st-louis/article_2383ae79-7404-5dd3-a229-a8129b00335c.html].