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MILWAUKEE – Normally, Shota Imanaga’s start day landing on the final game of a high-profile series, when the Cubs needed a win to avoid the sweep, would have seemed ideal. The left-hander has been a stopper for the Cubs for two seasons.
On Wednesday, however, his previous start cast a shadow. Imanaga had bounced back well from shaky outings before, of course. And when healthy this year, he’s been a rotation leader. But since returning from the injured list late last month, he’s had ups and downs.
“My previous start, my pitching mechanics weren’t great,” Imanaga said through Japanese interpreter Edwin Stanberry.