Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell looks on against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the second inning at Chase Field. All players wore number 42 to commemorate Jackie Robinson Day. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The Chicago Cubs entered Sunday’s matchup with the Milwaukee Brewers hoping to earn a sweep of their NL Central rival. Instead, the Cubs were doused with a sobering reality that their starting pitching staff has another injury to worry about amid a 4-0 loss to Milwaukee in front of 37,360 fans at American Family Field.
Shota Imanaga made his first start since he had to exit Tuesday night’s 9-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates due to cramping. The Cubs hoped the issue was a “one-time thing,” but hedged their bets by calling up Chris Flexen to occupy a similar role to what Colin Rea had to begin the season.
Imanaga gave up five scoreless innings on Sunday, but exited the sixth inning in pain after giving up two runs. The Cubs are calling Imanaga’s injury a hamstring strain.
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell (11) before a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Cubs manager Craig Counsell provided an update on Imanaga when talking to reporters after the game. Counsell appeared worried, letting out a loud audible sigh before saying that while Imanaga has an injury, Chicago is unsure about the extent of the injury until Imanaga has more testing.
“He did it kind of on the run over to first base,” Counsell said of how Imanaga sustained the non-contact injury. “We’ll probably do some imaging to see what’s going on. He’s never had any lower-body muscle strains, so he’s a little unsure of what the feeling means.
