CHICAGO — Shota Imanaga struggled significantly in the Cubs’ first game of their three-game Crosstown Classic series against the White Sox at Rate Field on Friday, allowing seven runs on 12 hits in a 12-5 loss. This outing, marking one of Imanaga’s tougher starts, underscores the broader difficulties facing the Cubs’ pitching staff as the trade deadline nears.
The left-hander conceded three home runs during his appearance, contributing to an early deficit that the Cubs could not overcome. His performance exposed vulnerabilities in a rotation already hampered by injuries and inconsistent pitching.
Details of Imanaga’s Performance and Pitching Breakdown
Imanaga’s effectiveness suffered partly because his pitches lacked the usual velocity and consistency. His four-seam fastball averaged 89.1 mph, down nearly two miles per hour from his usual 90.9 mph, and his splitter also dipped slightly in speed. This drop in velocity impaired his deceptive pitching style, which relies more on finesse than power.
Opposing hitters took full advantage of this decline. Chase Meidroth led off the game with a home run off an 89.3 mph four-seam fastball that caught too much of the plate. Colson Montgomery followed with a home run on a 90.3 mph fastball, also right down the middle, and Austin Slater later added a shot off an 88.9 mph pitch high in the zone.
The velo was down, not great location,
manager Craig Counsell said.
I mean it just shows the fine line of pitching in the big leagues of what success and struggles look like. And it’s hard to believe that’s the pitcher you saw the last two times [he made] a start. That’s how it works.
Additional Pitching Challenges for the Cubs
After Imanaga exited, right-hander Chris Flexen was called upon but also struggled, allowing four runs (three earned) over two innings. Flexen will likely require a day or two of rest, putting further strain on the Cubs’ depleted pitching resources.
Injuries have hit the rotation hard this season, with Jameson Taillon becoming the fourth projected starter to join the injured list. The team has resorted to bullpen games for two of the three starts in this series, both resulting in losses.
Sunday’s starting role remains undecided but is expected to be another bullpen game, with Ben Brown likely to pitch multiple innings. Brown’s season, however, has been difficult; he currently holds a 6.48 ERA and allowed seven runs (six earned) in four innings during his first start after being called up from Triple-A Iowa.
The Increasing Urgency for Pitching Reinforcements Before Deadline
The combination of Imanaga’s short outing and Flexen’s difficulties leaves the Cubs vulnerable, especially if Brown struggles again. These circumstances highlight the pressing need for the Cubs to bolster their pitching before the National League trade deadline next Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Brewers have surged to a 36-14 record since May 25, the best in baseball, intensifying competition in the National League Central. The Cubs’ ongoing rotation troubles make keeping pace with such challengers even more challenging.
Imanaga Reflects on His Performance and Next Steps
Speaking through interpreter Edwin Stanberry, Imanaga acknowledged the inconsistency in his outing and the physical challenges he faced on the mound.
Just didn’t have consistency tonight, just how my body felt versus how the ball was coming out,
he said.
I didn’t match up. So just wasn’t consistent.
He admitted needing to work on his skills and compete even when not at his peak physically.
I just think I need to work on my skills,
Imanaga noted.
I’ve had that in the past where maybe, physically, I don’t feel 100% or at my A-game, but I still managed to figure out ways to compete.
But I think tonight, the opposition, they just came out on top, so I just need to figure out a way to work on it.
Manager Counsell Comments on Pitching Difficulties
Cubs manager Craig Counsell reflected on the challenges faced in Friday’s game and the fine margins that separate effective pitching from struggles.
Just didn’t have consistency tonight, just how my body felt versus how the ball was coming out,
Imanaga said through interpreter Edwin Stanberry.
I didn’t match up. So just wasn’t consistent.
The velo was down, not great location,
Counsell said.
I mean it just shows the fine line of pitching in the big leagues of what success and struggles look like. And it’s hard to believe that’s the pitcher you saw the last two times [he made] a start. That’s how it works.
Outlook for Cubs as Trade Deadline Approaches
The Cubs now face mounting pressure to improve their pitching depth heading into the trade deadline, as injuries and inconsistent performances have severely hampered their chances. How the team addresses these challenges will likely determine their competitiveness in the tight NL Central race moving forward.