Left-handed pitcher Shota Imanaga will return to the Chicago Cubs’ rotation on Thursday afternoon, marking a significant boost as the team faces a pivotal conclusion to their four-game road series against the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cubs have struggled recently, dropping five of their last seven games, increasing the pressure for Imanaga’s comeback to help stabilize the pitching staff.
Recent Series Outcomes Heighten Stakes for Cubs
The Cubs entered Thursday’s game following an intense series against the Cardinals, who secured an 8-2 win on Monday and narrowly took an 8-7 victory the next day before suffering an 8-0 loss on Wednesday night. With the Cardinals’ recent sweep threat rising, Chicago’s pitching improvements are critical to flipping the tide.
Imanaga’s Rehabilitation and Performance Preview
Imanaga, holding a 3-2 record with a 2.82 ERA prior to his injury, has been out since May 4 due to a hamstring strain. Before the setback, he demonstrated reliable consistency, allowing two runs or fewer in six of his eight starts. His final rehab outing in the minor leagues on Friday impressed Cubs starter Jameson Taillon, who expressed optimism about Imanaga’s return.
From watching his outing, he’s right,
Taillon told MLB.com.
I think we’re going to get a really good version of Shota back, which is super exciting, because he’s one of the best pitchers in baseball.
—Jameson Taillon, Chicago Cubs pitcher
Despite the positive outlook, Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy cautioned that Imanaga will need some time to regain his full form at the major league level.
There’s going to be things that Shota needs to continue to work on as he’s coming back,
Hottovy said.
But just getting him back and having him back with the group of guys, what he brings to the table and just that consistent person he is, too, it’s awesome.
—Tommy Hottovy, Cubs pitching coach
Historical Matchup and Cardinals’ Roster Adjustments
Imanaga has a 1-0 record with a 3.29 ERA in career appearances against the Cardinals, a factor that gives the Cubs hope in Thursday’s matchup. Meanwhile, the Cardinals have made roster moves to better handle left-handed pitching, acquiring right-handed utility player Garrett Hampson off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds for the final games of this series.
Hampson, who started in center field on Wednesday batting ninth, brings speed and versatility. His best season to date was in 2023 when he posted a .276 average with a .729 OPS for the Miami Marlins, and he previously showed power and speed with 11 home runs and 17 stolen bases for the Colorado Rockies in 2021.
He causes a lot of problems on the bases, and that’s really good for us,
said Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado, a former teammate of Hampson’s in Colorado.
When he’s on the bases, pitchers know about it. They get a little concerned.
—Nolan Arenado, St. Louis Cardinals third baseman
Injury Updates Affect Cardinals’ Lineup
Outfielder Jordan Walker, usually the go-to player against left-handed pitching, is sidelined with appendicitis and placed on the 10-day injured list. The Cardinals called up infielder Jose Fermin from Triple-A Memphis to fill the roster spot. Manager Oliver Marmol expects Walker’s recovery to be fairly quick but insists on rest before a full return.
Pretty quick recovery, but he’s still going to be down for four or five days,
Marmol said.
It made sense to rest it and then build up again. It’s not going to be an extended period.
—Oliver Marmol, St. Louis Cardinals manager
Cardinals’ Starter Andre Pallante Given Extra Rest
The Cardinals postponed right-hander Andre Pallante’s start to Thursday to provide additional rest after his strong performance against the Reds, where he allowed just three hits over six scoreless innings. Pallante comes into the game with a 5-3 record and a 4.48 ERA this season and holds a 0-2 record with a 2.45 ERA in 10 career appearances, including three starts, against the Cubs.
Implications of Imanaga’s Return for Cubs and Series Outcome
Shota Imanaga’s return offers the Cubs a promising boost in a critical series finale that could influence their momentum as the season progresses. Both teams are navigating injuries and lineup changes, making pitching and timely performances essential components. Imanaga’s ability to quickly regain his pre-injury effectiveness could significantly impact the Cubs’ chances against the Cardinals in this tightly contested series and beyond.