Shota Imanaga, the Chicago Cubs pitcher who has been sidelined with a left lat strain, is making strides in his recovery as he continues to engage in light throwing exercises. On May 9, 2025, during the Cubs' road trip in New York, Imanaga was seen playing catch, demonstrating his commitment to returning to the mound.
After suffering the injury during a game against the Milwaukee Brewers on May 4, Imanaga was placed on the 15-day injured list (IL) the following day. The injury occurred while he was covering first base, leading to an abrupt exit from the game after he felt pain in his left thigh. Imanaga explained, "Now I have a muscle tear with bleeding. I’m waiting for the bleeding to stop and the swelling to go down before I can do more." This incident marks Imanaga's first stint on the IL in his second year in Major League Baseball.
Despite the setback, Imanaga's spirits remain high. He reported that he has been careful not to strain the injured area while playing catch, which he has done four times since the injury. "I’m trying to avoid using the injured area as much as possible while throwing," he stated. During his recent session, he threw for about 10 minutes at a distance of 25 meters, under the watchful eye of a trainer. "Fortunately, my shoulder and elbow are fine," he added, indicating that he is maintaining his upper body strength while focusing on lower body rehabilitation.
Imanaga has had a solid start to the 2025 season, having pitched in eight games with a record of three wins and two losses, alongside an impressive earned run average (ERA) of 2.82. Last season, he showcased his prowess on the mound with a record of 15 wins and three losses and an ERA of 2.91, establishing himself as a key player for the Cubs.
Manager Craig Counsell expressed relief after the MRI results indicated that Imanaga's injury was minor. "We don’t want to lose our best pitcher, but these things happen. We’ll cover for him as a team," Counsell commented, highlighting the collective effort required to fill the gap left by Imanaga's absence. The Cubs currently lead the National League Central Division, and Imanaga's return will be crucial as they aim to maintain their position.
As the season progresses, fans and teammates alike are eager for Imanaga's return to full health. The Cubs organization is optimistic about his recovery, with Imanaga himself stating, "I need to rest my leg, but I’m not restricted from throwing. I’ll take my time to ensure I come back fully fit." With the season still in its early stages, there is ample opportunity for Imanaga to make a significant impact once he returns.
In the meantime, the Cubs will continue to navigate the challenges of the season without one of their star pitchers, relying on their depth and resilience to keep their winning momentum alive. The team is hopeful that Imanaga's diligent rehabilitation will allow him to rejoin the rotation soon, bringing back his talent and experience to a squad that is already performing well.
