Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell isn’t rushing a rotation decision ahead of Shota Imanaga’s return start Thursday against the St. Louis Cardinals.
That’s not unusual. Counsell rarely locks in a plan days in advance. Still, here’s what’s for certain. Imanaga will be back on the mound for the Cubs, his first appearance since going on the injured list with a hamstring strain in early May.
The rest of the rotation? Still in play — and that’s where Counsell’s decision-making will come into focus in the days ahead.
“It’s our job to think in advance, but also, things happen,” Counsell said, per Jordan Bastian of MLB.com. “Everything is kind of on the table and you play out a bunch of scenarios, and then let the days play out until we have to make a decision.”
Cubs Rotation Beyond Cardinals Matchup
Right-handers Ben Brown and Jameson Taillon are scheduled to start Monday and Tuesday. Beyond that, it’s “TBA.” Based on the timing of his Minor League rehab appearance — 72 pitches for Triple-A Iowa — Imanaga is clearly lined up for Thursday.
As for the rotation puzzle around him? That’s where Counsell’s next big decision comes in.
Injuries haven’t helped. Lefty Matthew Boyd exited his last start early after taking a line drive off his throwing shoulder. Counsell said Monday that Boyd was “eager to throw” and still feeling good. But the Cubs will be cautious, especially with Imanaga also just returning.
It’s worth noting that Counsell hasn’t ruled out a six-man rotation. With rookie Cade Horton pitching well, Colin Rea offering flexibility, and Brown showing flashes despite inconsistency, the Cubs do have options.
“There’s going to be things that Shota needs to continue to work on as he’s coming back,” Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy said. “But just getting him back and having him back with the group of guys, what he brings to the table and just that consistent person he is, too, it’s awesome.”
What’s Next For Imanaga?
The Cubs are expected to manage Imanaga’s workload carefully. Thursday’s start won’t be a full go — more like a bridge to his usual volume. He’s coming off a strong rehab outing and looked healthy, but the ramp-up will continue gradually.
“I think it helps that guys were carrying their weight,” Taillon said. “I think it probably helped Shota not feel rushed… I don’t think there was ever a specific target date like, ‘He has to be back by this day.’ He got to just go through his process and make sure he’s right.
“From watching his outing Friday night, he’s right. I think we’re going to get a really good version of Shota back, which is super exciting, because he’s one of the best pitchers in baseball.”
Counsell’s final decision on the rotation may hinge on how Imanaga looks Thursday. But one thing is clear, the Cubs are easing their ace back in, not just throwing him in.
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