The Chicago Cubs suddenly have a Shota Imanaga problem in their starting rotation. Imanaga has been the de facto ace of the Cubs' rotation since Justin Steele went down with Tommy John surgery. But as the Cubs begin to map out their pitching plans for a National League Wild Card series against the San Diego Padres, Imanaga may find himself without a starting role.
Imanaga was once the clear choice to be the Cubs' Game 1 starter in a playoff series, but his start on Thursday may have raised a red flag that is too glaring to ignore.