Imanaga starts Game 2 for Chicago in a must-win NLDS clash with Milwaukee. The 32-year-old lefty brings a methodical, competitive mindset and a joyful mound presence that Counsell praised as fierce in execution. Milwaukee jumped ahead in Game 1, so Chicago leans on a veteran-led clubhouse—Turner, Swanson, Santana, Pomeranz—to steady the ship as the series shifts to a pivotal night.

The Chicago Cubs are facing a pivotal moment in their rotation amidst Shota Imanaga's hamstring recovery. With a 14-8 record since his injury, the team has relied on Jameson Taillon, Colin Rea, Matt Boyd, and rookie Cade Horton to step up, but inconsistency persists. Recent struggles were highlighted in a 6-2 loss to the Cincinnati Reds, where Rea's performance faltered, significantly impacting his ERA.

With the Cubs snapping a four-game winning streak, manager Craig Counsell's decision to employ Drew Pomeranz as an opener points to a strategic shift to address first-inning challenges, particularly with Ben Brown's struggles. Despite the bumps in the road, the Cubs are experimenting with unconventional methods in an effort to find a winning formula.