The Chicago Cubs face a significant challenge this season as their starting rotation struggles. They anticipate the return of Shota Imanaga, which should ease some concerns. However, the absence of Justin Steele raises questions about the team's championship potential. President Jed Hoyer has actively sought to bolster the rotation, with MLB insider Mark Feinsand suggesting they consider Los Angeles Angels' Tyler Anderson as a mid-rotation option. Anderson started the season with a respectable ERA but faltered in June, creating uncertainty about his value. Despite this, his past performances highlight a potential upside that could benefit the Cubs as they push for a postseason spot.

The Chicago Cubs received positive news regarding Shota Imanaga, who made a successful return to game action after a hamstring injury. Imanaga struck out four batters in two innings during an Arizona Complex League game, demonstrating his readiness to rejoin the team.

Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy expressed satisfaction with Imanaga's performance, noting he maintained expected velocity and effectively applied techniques practiced prior to the outing. Imanaga is scheduled for another game where he aims to pitch three innings, which could lead to a third rehab start with Triple-A Iowa, crucial for his return to the Cubs' rotation.

Despite missing key players like Justin Steele for the season, the Cubs have excelled with a mix of young talents and veterans, maintaining a lead in the NL Central. Imanaga's comeback is anticipated to provide a significant boost to their pitching roster as they push for postseason contention.

The Chicago Cubs currently lead the NL Central, bolstered by the steady performance of starting pitcher Matthew Boyd. Despite injuries sidelining key rotation members, Boyd has excelled, notably in his recent game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he allowed just one hit over six innings. Manager Craig Counsell praised Boyd's contributions, highlighting his ability to keep the Cubs competitive. Boyd's impressive home record of 6-0 and a 2.25 ERA at Wrigley Field underscores his importance to the team during this challenging period.

Having undergone Tommy John surgery in 2023, Boyd returned to action with the Cubs and has shown remarkable resilience. His versatility as a pitcher, utilizing various pitches effectively, has made him a reliable asset for the Cubs. Shortstop Dansby Swanson noted Boyd's professionalism and skill, emphasizing the team's confidence when he takes the mound. Boyd's ability to pick off baserunners has also made headlines, as he is currently leading the MLB with six pickoffs this season, showcasing his strategic prowess on the field.

The Chicago Cubs are looking to bolster their roster ahead of the July 31st trade deadline. Sitting atop the NL Central with a five-game lead, they aim to maintain their momentum by upgrading their pitching staff, which has struggled due to injuries affecting key players like Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga. While their offense is among the league's best, ranking second in runs scored, their starting rotation currently ranks 19th, as noted by FanGraphs.

President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer confirmed the Cubs are actively exploring trade options. Reports indicate that they have an eye on Zach Eflin, a starter for the Baltimore Orioles, who is scheduled to pitch against the Detroit Tigers. Eflin, 31, has a 5-2 record with a 4.47 ERA this season, demonstrating his value as an innings-eater with postseason experience. Acquiring Eflin could provide the Cubs with much-needed consistency and leadership as they look to end a four-year playoff drought.

As the MLB season crosses the 60-game mark, fantasy baseball players have enough data to evaluate their rosters. This point in the season presents an opportunity to reflect on mistakes, assess strategies, and adapt to emerging trends. Key lessons learned include the importance of diversifying pitching selections and being cautious with injury-prone players. Relying heavily on late-round picks can backfire, as injuries to stars like Justin Steele and Yu Darvish illustrate the risks of betting on recovery. Emphasizing current performance over past injuries can yield better results when constructing a roster.

Staying vigilant to league-wide trends is crucial, as evidenced by the declining home run rates this season. This insight urges players to prioritize power hitters and safer starting pitchers, especially given that the waiver wire has been lacking exciting talent. Additionally, early FAAB spending and patience with newly acquired players can significantly impact a team's trajectory. Rookies and veterans alike can struggle initially; holding on to players beyond their slow starts can be the difference between a missed opportunity and a winning roster.