The National League Central leading Chicago Cubs have received good news about All-Star left-hander Shota Imanaga.
Imanaga threw a 28-pitch bullpen session, ran and took fielding practice before Chicago’s 2-1 win over the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday, per ESPN.
Manager Craig Counsell spoke with the media about Imanaga’s progression.
“So all in all, a very good workday,” said Counsell. “Kind of repeat that this weekend, assuming everything turns up well tomorrow, and then go from there.”
If “everything turns up well,” the next step would be going to the Cubs training facility in Mesa, Arizona; Counsell said this could happen during Chicago’s nine-game road trip, which starts Tuesday.
Imanaga, 31, was off to a good start prior to the left hamstring strain that he suffered on May 4. The Cubs’ ace was 3-2 with a 2.82 ERA in eight starts and was dealing in the game he left versus the Milwaukee Brewers.
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Imanaga’s rookie year was dominant, going 15-3 with a 2.91 ERA in 29 starts, finishing fourth in the NL Rookie of the Year race.
While the Cubs are 35-21 and hold a three-game lead over the St. Louis Cardinals for first place in the NL Central, starting pitching has become a hole on the team.
Former All-Star Justin Steele is out for the season, and Imanaga has missed most of May. If the Cubs can continue its dominant stretch, Imanaga’s return could solidify Chicago’s chances at winning the division and reaching the postseason for the first time in five years.
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