Shōta Imanaga Set to Return Next Week Against Cardinals

Shōta Imanaga hasn’t pitched since May 4th, having been on the Injured List with a hamstring injury. He made his final rehab start on Friday night, putting up fantastic results that signal his imminent return to the big leagues.

Shota Imanaga during Friday's rehab start 👏

4.1 IP | 8 K | 0 ER | 72 pitches pic.twitter.com/5aGiFPaT2Z

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With Imanaga almost back, the rotation will have to be moved around. If someone is moved to the bullpen, there’s a good chance it’s either Ben Brown or Colin Rea. Moving to a six-man rotation isn’t out of the question either, although something will still have to change in the likely event that Jed Hoyer trades for a starting pitcher at the trade deadline.

The Cubs remain in first place in the NL Central, with a 4.5 game lead over Milwaukee and St. Louis. They’ve been fantastic without Imanaga, which should mean even better results are ahead once he’s returned to the rotation.