The Chicago Cubs had one of the better pitching staffs in the league until left-hander and number two in the starting rotation Justin Steele went down with an elbow injury and will miss the rest of the year. The Cubs do have the depth to sustain an injury such as this, as they have top prospect Cade Horton down on the farm performing well and could be an option to fill the void, and Javier Assad, who is at Triple-A rehabbing and could be back soon.
Thankfully, the Cubs’ starting rotation is led by an Ace in every sense of the word, Shota Imanaga, who is off to an incredible start to the season. Imanaga’s early success could make him a favorite to be a top contender for the National League Cy Young. Imanaga’s hot start could get better as he caught up with an old friend and mentor out in San Diego, where he could be learning a new pitch to take his game to the next level.
Could Imanaga be learning a new pitch?
Apr 15, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga (18) delivers during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
The Cubs are finishing up a road trip out west, where they’ve played the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres, where they’ve done well. Imanaga appeared in the second game of the series, where he pitched 5.0 innings, allowing four hits three walks, striking out seven, and not allowing an earned run in the Cub’s 2-1 win.
During the series, Imanaga caught up with the Padres right-hander Yu Darvish to catch up and talk over things, with one of those things being Darvish showing Imanaga what looked to be a new pitch. Marquee Sports Networkshowed that Darvish appeared to show Imanaga a grip for a curveball or a sweeper.
“Yu Darvish and Shota Imanaga catching up before today’s game”
Yu Darvish and Shota Imanaga catching up before today's game 🔥 pic.twitter.com/iYTZIwfns8
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) April 16, 2025
If Imanaga is to learn a new pitch to add to his arsenal learning from Darvish is a great choice, as he is known for having command over a wide range of pitches. Imanaga does have a curveball and sweeper in his arsenal, but he doesn’t use them as much as his splitter and fastball.
Imanaga throws his sweeper 8.8% (37 pitches) of the time and his curveball at 3.3% (14 pitches) of the time. Imanaga finding a better way of throwing a breaking ball will take his game to the next level. Right now, Imanaga is primarily a fastball (52.6%)/splitter (33.8%) pitcher and has had success getting hitters out, but adding in a third pitch could take him into being a top ten pitcher.
A Cy Young season for the Chicago Cubs Ace?
Imanaga is off to a strong start to the season, as he is 2-1 with a 2.22 ERA and has an ERA+ of 172. He is also leading the major leagues in innings pitched (28.1), games started (five), and batters faced (113).
According to Marquee Sports Network, in Imanaga’s 34 career starts, he has only allowed one run or less in half of them.
“Shota Imanaga has made 34 career starts. He’s allowed 1 run or less in HALF of those starts”
Shota Imanaga has made 34 career starts.
He's allowed 1 run or less in HALF of those starts 😳 pic.twitter.com/2h1dcvExBs
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) April 16, 2025
Imanaga will be counted on to be a leader in the starting rotation, with Justin Steele missing this season. It will be important for Imanaga to remain healthy and help lead the Cubs staff to a successful season.
Learning a new pitch could help Imanaga become an elite pitcher. Imanaga’s next start is expected on April 22nd when the Dodgers come to town for a quick two-game series.
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