Scheduled to take the mound Sunday as the Cubs seek to rebound, with Imanaga representing a potential stabilizing factor in the rotation.

Imanaga’s quality-start narrative in Monday’s loss surrounds a rotation that relies on depth and varied styles to contend late in the season. His presence underscores Chicago’s willingness to mix and match arms as they pursue a playoff spot, contributing to the broader depth story.

Imanaga is cited as part of the wave of elite Japanese arms circling big-league rosters, contrasted with Senga and Yamamoto. His presence in the chatter underscores the Mets’ ongoing interest in high-ceiling pitching and the potential fantasy upside if exposed to MLB success.

Imanaga opened the Braves series with a rough first inning and surrendered multiple home runs, stoking concern about his playoff durability. He remains the Cubs’ steady option, but the workload and the homers he’s allowed in recent starts are prompting discussions about how to deploy him in October.

Imanaga has delivered seven straight quality starts, flashing a steady ground-ball approach and whiffs on key pitches. His rest-of-season outlook hinges on how well the Cubs manage his workload and how often he can supply a solid ratio with some strikeout upside—enough to merit continued streaming in deeper formats.