How Shota Imanaga's 'Throwing Philosopher' side came out post-injury

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 01: Shota Imanaga #18 of the Chicago Cubs throws a pitch in the second inning during game two of the National League Wild Card against the San Diego Padres Series at Wrigley Field on October 01, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.Michael Reaves/Getty

MILWAUKEE — From the moment left-hander Shota Imanaga recited lines from “Go Cubs Go” in his introductory press conference, the team got a sense of his affability.

His sense of humor came out throughout that first year. And he became famous for his exaggerated facial expressions on the mound.

Still, Imanaga’s scholarly approach to the game, which earned him the nickname “Throwing Philosopher” in Japan, was at work. That became…