Cubs' Shota Imanaga: Records quality start Thursday
Rotowire
Imanaga allowed three runs on five hits across six innings but did not factor into the decision in Thursday's 5-3, 10-inning win over the Giants. He walked two and struck out three.
This was a nice bounceback effort for Imanaga, who allowed 10 runs in his last outing against the surging Mets. The righty had a sparkling 1.89 ERA before that implosion, but he's still sitting with a solid 3.07 mark across his first 15 starts at the MLB level. While it was unlikely that Imanaga would continue his early season dominance, he should still be a strong fantasy option moving forward. He's tentatively lined up to start again Wednesday against a challenging Philadelphia lineup.
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Cubs' Shota Imanaga: Start moved to Thursday
Rotowire
Manager Craig Counsell said that Imanaga will make his next start in Thursday's series finale in San Francisco, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.
Imanaga had previously been in line to start Wednesday, but he'll get an extra day to rest up after he was lit up for 10 earned runs in just three innings during his most recent outing Friday against the Mets. Despite his awful performance Friday, the 30-year-old southpaw has still been strong overall with a 2.96 ERA and 1.10 WHIP alongside an 81:12 K:BB through 79 innings over 14 starts. Counsell didn't name a replacement starter for Wednesday, though he noted a bullpen game is the most likely course of action.
Cubs' Shota Imanaga: Crushed for 10 runs in second loss
Rotowire
Imanaga (7-2) took the loss to the Mets on Friday, allowing 10 runs on 11 hits and one walk with three strikeouts over three-plus innings.
Imanaga was hit hard early and often, surrendering six runs on three home runs in the first two innings and another run in the third. He was unable to record an out in the fourth frame and was charged with three more runs, resulting in the worst outing of his major-league career. In total, Imanaga allowed 11 hard-hit balls, and the velocity on each of his pitches was at least one mph below his season averages. Imanaga's ERA rose from 1.89 to 2.96 with a 1.10 WHIP and 81:12 K:BB over 79 innings. He'll look to rebound in a matchup with the Giants next week.
