Shōta Imanaga Exits Scoreless Outing Early with Trainer (Updated)
Shōta Imanaga was rolling through five scoreless innings in Pittsburgh, but left after giving up a leadoff double to Andrew McCutchen in the 6th inning. The lefty grimaced after giving up the hit, but it wasn’t just in frustration. Craig Counsell and head athletic trainer Nick Frangella came out to check on Imanaga, who appeared to have been pointing to his right knee. He then left the field under his own power and didn’t appear to be favoring anything, but the pitcher and trainer headed straight to the locker room.
Shota Imanaga left today’s game with an apparent injury. pic.twitter.com/WMw5EkQ8Fl
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) April 30, 2025
We’ll have more on this situation as information becomes available. Let’s all cross our fingers, say a prayer, light a candle, and fire up all the good vibes, because the Cubs can ill afford to have another of their top two starters miss much time.
Update: Crisis averted, or so we hope, as the Cubs say Imanaga’s exit was due to cramping. Guess we can stop reading much into Cade Horton continuing to shove for Iowa.
