1 month agoThe Chicago Cubs announced on Tuesday that left-hander
Shota Imanaga will start on Opening Day on March 18 in Tokyo, Japan, against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Imanaga exceeded expectations in his first year in the big leagues in 2024, making the All-Star team while going 15-3 with a 2.91 ERA (3.72 FIP), 1.02 WHIP and 174:28 K:BB in 173 1/3 innings over his 29 starts. The 31-year-old southpaw came with less fanfare than Japanese righty
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who he is likely to square off against in Tokyo, but he excelled by limiting hard contact and posting an impressive 4.0 percent walk rate. Imanaga returned excellent value for those that took a chance on him last year, but considering his low .264 BABIP and 3.72 FIP, it would be wise to expect some regression in Year 2. Still, Imanaga is worth drafting as a No. 2 fantasy starting pitcher in 2025.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Chicago Cubs
2 months agoAccording to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Chicago Cubs starting pitcher
Shota Imanaga will start one of the games in the Tokyo series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Manager Craig Counsell said, "Yes, Shota's going to pitch in Japan. I think that's mandated. I don't think I have a choice." Fantasy managers should expect
Justin Steele to get the starting nod in the other game of the series. Imanaga made his MLB debut last season and looked quite comfortable, posting a 2.91 ERA with a 1.02 WHIP. He struck out 174 batters across 173 1/3 innings. Imanaga showed elite command of his pitches as he posted a near-perfect four percent walk rate. However, Imanaga generated ground balls at a low 37.2 percent rate, which could cause him some regression for the 2025 season. However, given his elite command, he is a great target when looking to improve your WHIP ratio. He will have a difficult task facing a potent Dodgers lineup in this series, but he should be started in all formats.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Bob Nightengale
6 months agoChicago Cubs starting pitcher
Shota Imanaga continued his excellent rookie season in Monday's 9-2 win over the Athletics. Imanaga pitched six innings, allowing two runs on five hits (including a two-run home run) and three walks with 11 strikeouts. The 31-year-old has seamlessly adapted to Major League Baseball and is now 14-3 with a 3.03 ERA, a 1.03 WHIP, and a 9.20 K/9 rate in 28 starts and 166 1/3 IP. His only slight blemish has been his 1.46 HR/9 rate, which was a known part of his game from his time in Japan. His next start will be a favorable one against the Nationals.
--Connelly Doan - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
7 months agoChicago Cubs starting pitcher
Shota Imanaga led the way on Wednesday evening in a combined no-hitter against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The southpaw logged seven innings and allowed just two free passes while striking out seven. Cubs skipper Craig Counsell then turned to
Nate Pearson to pitch in the eighth and
Porter Hodge to close out the final frame. This was an excellent bounce-back for Imanaga, as he has carried a 3.68 ERA since the start of August. In addition, this was another strong sign that Hodge is growing into a closer role in the Northside as he was called upon to close out the no-hitter. The 23-year-old has tallied two saves in his past five outings with no earned runs and a 1.06 WHIP. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor who sees the majority of save opportunities down the stretch in Chicago. Imanaga is currently lined up to face the high-powered Los Angeles Dodgers in his next start.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
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