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Shota Imanaga delivers exactly what the Cubs needed in dominant outing

Seven scoreless innings continue a strong stretch of consistency in the rotation
ByCasey McAleer|
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May 2, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga (18) delivers during the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
May 2, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga (18) delivers during the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images | Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Shota Imanaga didn't just give the Cubs length on the mound, he controlled the game from the first inning and never let it get comfortable. Imanaga threw for seven innings on Saturday, echoing a similar sentiment set by Colin Rea and Jameson Taillon in their most recent outings. This most recent performance from Imanaga led the Cubs to their 10th straight home game.

Imanaga threw for seven innings, only giving up four hits while allowing zero runs. With five strikeouts, and only one walk on only 87 pitches, Shota was efficient today. He probably could have thrown another inning if they really needed him to.

This isn't just a one-off for Imanaga

Imanaga has been consistent all season, frequently allowing one or less runs. The only exception to this came on April 26th against the Dodgers when Imanaga allowed six hits and four earned runs. But one bad outing against one of the most talented rosters in the game shouldn't be enough to put a stain on Imanaga's reputation.

On April 15th in Philadelphia, Imanaga threw for six complete innings and recorded 11 strikeouts, setting up the Cubs to take an easy 11-2 victory. Five days before that, Imanaga threw for another six complete innings, giving up no hits, no runs, and nine strikeouts, only to take home the loss anyway. That's three strong outings in his last four. Any big league manager would take that.

Imanaga represents the pattern of consistency that the Cubs have been trying to build in their rotation. Across five starts in April, Imanaga only allowed seven walks. His ability to limit traffic on the bases has been exactly what the Cubs needed, especially while keeping his pitch count as low as he has. And when he’s pitching like this, it gives the Cubs a level of stability they haven’t consistently had in the rotation.

Imanaga isn’t out there trying to overpower lineups, and he doesn’t need to. He’s working ahead, keeping hitters from getting comfortable, and forcing them to play his game. That’s why the innings keep stacking up without much damage. It’s steady, it’s repeatable, and right now it’s exactly what this rotation needs while it figures everything else out.

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