Shōta Imanaga Leaves Sunday’s Game Early with Apparent Leg Injury (Updated)
Let’s hope this is the same as his last start, in which Shōta Imanaga left early due to leg cramps. Unfortunately, it looks as though he might have injured his left hamstring while hustling to first base in an attempt to turn a double play in the bottom of the 6th inning. The lefty had held the Brewers scoreless and was nearly out of the inning, but Christian Yelich beat the throw to put runners at the corners with two out.
Shota Imanaga left the game after an apparent injury following this play. pic.twitter.com/dZJXzSeEoS
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) May 4, 2025
Imanaga left with trainers and was replaced by Julian Merryweather, who promptly uncorked a wild pitch to bring home the game’s first run. After an intentional walk to Rhys Hoskins, Daz Cameron singled to drive home another run and was later chased home with Hoskins by a Caleb Durbin double.
Assuming this is more than just cramps, the Cubs are going to need help in the rotation. Cade Horton just finished another superb outing for the Iowa Cubs, giving him back-to-back outings of six innings, but he’s not yet on the 40-man roster and would require a spot. Jordan Wicks could be in play even after struggling in his earlier call-up and being shelled in his most recent outing.
Horton is stretched out and looks really good, plus he’s pitching on the same schedule as Imanaga. There’s no reason to keep wasting his bullets in Iowa if the Cubs need another starter.
More to come as we have details on Imanaga’s status.
Update: The Cubs have confirmed that it’s a left hamstring strain for Imanaga. They will likely have to wait for imaging to gauge the severity and recovery timeline, but even a mild strain could sideline him for several weeks. Time for Horton.
