Hold your breath because the Chicago Cubs might have dropped the most-awaited update on Shota Imanaga, the star lefty, who hasn’t thrown since May 4. When the starter was placed on the 15-day injured list, the clubhouse made it pretty clear that they aren’t going to rush for his return. After all, this was Imanaga’s first Hamstring injury, so the Cubs were preparing themselves for a long…long absence. But, not anymore!

Just when they were punched in the gut by Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal, who made sure the Cubs’ bats stayed quiet all game long, their saviour’s return has been announced. Prior to Game 2 against the Tigers, manager Craig Counsell was cornered with the highly anticipated question: “Do you have a day for Shota’s game, next game, or first game?”

“Yes,” Craig Counsell firmly responded. “I’m trying to think of it,” giving everyone a dose of laughter.

“I think it’s Sunday… I’m pretty sure it’s Sunday, tomorrow,” Counsell confirmed.

Perhaps the Windy City’s ship hasn’t sunk just yet. Before his injury, Imanaga was a force on the mound. He started his journey in Chicago with a bang, putting up a 2.82 ERA and striking out 34 batters in just over 44.2 innings. Losing him was a big blow, especially with other pitchers like Justin Steele also sidelined. The Cubs’ rotation has itself stretched thin, but the rest of the staff has kept the team on top of the NL Central with some gritty performances.

While the Cubs were anticipating a long absence, Imanaga wasn’t content to stay idle. Determined to return, he packed his bags and made the trip to Arizona for live hitting practice. Word from skipper Counsell, via Andy Martinez, confirmed that Imanaga will test himself against live hitters for the first time since his injury. This week, the story took a positive turn. On a sunny Wednesday in Arizona, Imanaga stood tall on the mound, facing batters in a 39-pitch live batting practice session.

As Imanaga prepares to rejoin the rotation, the Cubs receive a much-needed lift for their pitching staff, but his return alone isn’t enough to erase the lingering questions about their postseason readiness. 

Cubs’ rotation concerns loom as postseason approaches closer

The team’s offense has been nothing short of explosive. They have a lineup that ranks among the best in baseball and consistently carries the club to victory. Yet, as the calendar inches closer to October, the Cubs’ front office knows that championship aspirations require more than just scoring runs.

Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report recently highlighted the vulnerability of the current rotation, noting, “While the Cubs have the offense to make a deep playoff run, they lost Justin Steele for the year with Tommy John surgery. Outside of Shota Imanaga, it’s fair to be skeptical about who they would start in a postseason series.” This sentiment echoes throughout the fanbase and the industry—what was once a strength now feels compromised. 

Chicago’s lineup can overwhelm opponents in the regular season, but the playoffs are a different beast. Elite rotations and high-pressure situations can slow down even the most potent offenses. The Cubs’ pitching staff, already bailed out repeatedly by their hitters, will need reinforcements. That is, if they hope to go deep into October. In times like these, perhaps, the free agency market offers the best resorts. With key players like Kyle Tucker approaching free agency, the window to win is wide open. The front office has both the motivation and the resources to pursue a front-end starter at the trade deadline.

Whether they act decisively could determine whether this promising season ends in celebration or disappointment.