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 especially apparent midway through this season, as he came back from a strained left hamstring.
“He’s such a resilient guy,” pitching coach Tommy Hottovy told the Sun-Times recently.