The Chicago Cubs’ playoff hopes are suddenly tangled in uncertainty, and the spotlight is fixed squarely on co-ace Shota Imanaga. In a 7-4 loss to the Cincinnati Reds, the left-hander once again fell victim to the long ball, surrendering three earned runs via homers in just five innings. For a team clinging to a Wild Card position, the timing could not be worse.
Home Run Problem Reaches Alarming Levels
Imanaga has now allowed 29 home runs in just 139 innings, eclipsing last year’s total of 27. His rate of 1.88 HR per nine innings ranks as the third-highest among pitchers with 100+ innings this season—a staggering concern with October looming. While many have been solo shots, the sheer consistency of the issue casts a long shadow over his reliability.
The Cubs can ill afford for one of their top arms to unravel when facing power-packed postseason lineups. “I know I can be better, and I’m determined to fix the home run issues before the playoffs,” Imanaga admitted candidly after the loss. “I can’t let these mistakes continue if we want to go deep.”
Counsell Defends His Pitcher
Manager Craig Counsell tried to shield his pitcher from mounting criticism. “I thought he threw two pretty good pitches,” Counsell said, noting that both home runs came on offerings that usually produce harmless fly balls. He praised Imanaga’s slider as a positive sign, but optimism can’t disguise the numbers: a 4.91 ERA over his last four outings and at least one homer allowed in each.
Adding to the unease, fellow starter Matthew Boyd has struggled with a 5.34 ERA across his last 10 starts, leaving Chicago’s rotation exposed at the worst possible moment.
A Race Against Time
With only weeks left in the regular season, Imanaga has little room to maneuver. Every start becomes a referendum on whether he can adjust before the playoffs. The Cubs need him to rediscover the form that made him such a force early in 2025—and the stabilizing presence he was in 2024.
The postseason is unforgiving. One misplaced pitch against a contender like the Braves or Dodgers could swing an entire series. For the Cubs, the question is no longer just whether they’ll make the playoffs, but whether their ace can withstand the crucible once they’re there.
The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
Chicago remains in the hunt, but their margin for error has evaporated. Imanaga’s adjustments—or lack thereof—will directly dictate how far this team can go. If he solves his home run riddle, the Cubs have a fighting chance. If not, their October dreams may dissolve in the cruel crack of another bat.
The clock is ticking, and all eyes are on Shota Imanaga.
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