Cubs Pitcher Imanaga Placed on Injured List With Hamstring Strain

CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs placed left-handed pitcher

on the 15-day injured list Monday due to a left hamstring strain, one day after he sustained the injury while covering first base during a game against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Imanaga was injured in the sixth inning of Sunday’s 4-0 loss. After a grounder from Christian Yelich, Imanaga attempted to complete a double play but showed discomfort while running to first base. He limped off the field and was examined by team officials.

“I think it’s good that it wasn’t like a shoulder or an elbow injury,” Imanaga said through an interpreter. “It’s a lower-body injury, so I just have to take it day by day and keep my arm loose.”

The 31-year-old pitcher has been a key part of the Cubs’ rotation, boasting a record of 3-2 with a 2.82 ERA over eight starts this season. He signed a four-year, $53 million contract with the Cubs in January 2024 and has been a significant contributor, reaching the All-Star game last year and finishing fourth in the NL Rookie of the Year voting.

Imanaga’s injury adds to the Cubs’ rotation troubles, as fellow pitcher Justin Steele is currently out for the season with an elbow injury.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell commented on the situation, stating, “We’ll take it day by day. Imanaga and Steele’s injuries are different, so we just have to monitor each case carefully.”

The Cubs have not yet decided who will fill Imanaga’s spot in the rotation, with options including top prospect Cade Horton. The team faces the San Francisco Giants in its next game.