Shota Imanaga, the ace left-handed pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, is making strides towards recovery from a hamstring injury that sidelined him since May 4. Known for his impressive 2.82 ERA over 44.2 innings, Imanaga's return would significantly bolster a Cubs rotation that has been plagued with injuries. However, his comeback will necessitate crucial decisions regarding the team's starting lineup.

Ben Brown, a right-handed pitcher struggling with a 5.57 ERA this season, may be the one to lose his spot in the rotation. Recent reports suggest the Cubs should send him to Triple-A Iowa for further development, particularly after Cade Horton’s more consistent performances in his MLB debut. This transition could allow Brown to regroup and refine his skills in hopes of rejoining the big league roster.

The Chicago Cubs are eagerly anticipating the return of left-hander Shota Imanaga, who is set to make a rehab start for Triple-A Iowa. After recovering from a left hamstring strain, Imanaga boasts an impressive 2.82 ERA over eight starts this season, contributing significantly to the Cubs' success in the NL Central.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell noted that Imanaga's performance on Friday will dictate the next steps for the team. Having made six scoreless innings in his previous rehab starts in the Arizona Complex League, the anticipation is high that he can quickly rejoin the Cubs' rotation and bolster their lead as they aim for a strong finish to the season.

In addition, reliever Porter Hodge is also progressing well, following his recovery from a left oblique strain. Hodge threw a scoreless inning in Iowa and is expected to have at least one more appearance before rejoining the major league team. His return could provide additional depth to a bullpen that is crucial in the late stages of the season.

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.

Injuries are becoming a pressing issue for fantasy baseball managers as the 2025 MLB season progresses. Key players such as Yordan Alvarez and Blake Snell are currently sidelined, leading to managers scrambling for replacements. Among them are Alex Bregman, Michael King, and Shota Imanaga, who have all made significant contributions before their injuries.

Alex Bregman, hitting .299 with 11 home runs before a quad strain in late May, is showing promising signs of recovery, with hopes of returning by July. Michael King, who posted an impressive 2.59 ERA in his first 10 starts, has encountered shoulder issues that may keep him out until mid-July. Shota Imanaga, who started strong with a 2.82 ERA, is expected to return soon after completing his rehab assignments, potentially aiding fantasy teams in the upcoming weeks.

Chicago Cubs' ace Shota Imanaga is on track for a return after a month's absence due to a hamstring strain. He is set to throw one final bullpen session in Arizona, followed by a rehiring start with Triple-A Iowa Cubs. The Cubs' pitching coach, Tommy Hottovy, emphasized the importance of assessing Imanaga's condition during this rehab outing. If all goes well, he could rejoin the rotation shortly, which is crucial given the struggles of the Cubs' starting rotation amidst injuries.

Before his injury, Imanaga showcased impressive form with a 2.82 ERA and 34 strikeouts over 44.2 innings. His return would be a significant boost for the Cubs, who have suffered through several pitching setbacks. With Imanaga's potential return coinciding with a crucial stretch in the season, his impact could be pivotal for the Cubs' playoff aspirations.