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Cubs' Shota Imanaga reveals message to hot-hitting Lars Nootbaar before returning from IL to face Cardinals

Michael Reaves/Getty

ST. LOUIS – Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga caught up with World Baseball Classic teammate Lars Nootbaar at Busch Stadium before the third game of the series between their two teams.

Nootbaar had been a thorn in the side of the Cubs in two straight losses, blasting a two-run home run for the Cardinals in each. But Imanaga is scheduled to return from the 15-day IL to start Thursday.

“I was just telling him, OK when I face you, I’m going to keep you hitless,” Imanaga said through Japanese interpreter Edwin Stanberry.