Welcome back to the Cubs Beat newsletter. Jordan Bastian has covered baseball for MLB.com since 2005, including the Cubs since the 2019 season. |
ST. LOUIS -- Cubs manager Craig Counsell is not one to announce a decision multiple days before it is necessary or required. There are too many variables in play at all times -- not to mention unpredictable developments that can arrive at any moment. Here is what the Cubs know right now: Shota Imanaga is returning to the rotation this week. The rest of the decision-making surrounding the situation will be revealed in the coming days. First, there are games against the Cardinals to be played. “It’s our job to think in advance, but also, things happen,” Counsell said over the weekend. “Everything is kind of on the table and you play out a bunch of scenarios, and then let the days play out until we have to make a decision.” |
Right-handers Ben Brown and Jameson Taillon are scheduled to start for the Cubs on Monday and Tuesday, respectively, against St. Louis. The next two starters are “to be announced” for now. Based on the timing of his recent Minor League rehab start with Triple-A Iowa, Imanaga could take the ball in either game (most likely the Thursday series finale). In the category of “things happen,” Cubs lefty Matthew Boyd exited his outing on Friday early due to a bruise on his throwing shoulder -- the result of a hard line drive he caught to end the fifth inning. Counsell told reporters on Sunday that Boyd was feeling good and “eager to throw,” so he is also lined up for either Wednesday or Thursday against the Cardinals. It is also important to remember that the Cubs will err on the side of caution in terms of easing Imanaga back into the mix. On the 15-day injured list due to a left hamstring strain, Imanaga logged 72 pitches in his rehab outing with the I-Cubs on Friday. There will still be a ramp-up to the lefty being fully ready over his next few outings.
“There’s going to be things that Shota needs to continue to work on as he’s coming back,” Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy said. “But just getting him back and having him back with the group of guys, what he brings to the table and just that consistent person he is, too, it’s awesome.”
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Counsell did not rule out utilizing a six-man rotation for a period of time. Otherwise, the Cubs have things to consider with the three other members of the rotation. Rookie righty Cade Horton has performed well in Imanaga’s absence, gaining confidence on the mound, while building trust from the team. Brown has been overpowering in some starts, while also enduring some extremely rough ones. Veteran Colin Rea has performed admirably but also has the ability to slide back into a relief role. “I think it helps that guys were carrying their weight,” Taillon said. “I think it probably helped Shota not feel rushed, if you want to throw an extra bullpen or you need an extra day in-between, or whatever it is. I don't think there was ever a specific target date like, ‘He has to be back by this day.’ He got to just go through his process and make sure he’s right. “From watching his outing [Friday] night, he’s right. I think we’re going to get a really good version of Shota back, which is super exciting, because he’s one of the best pitchers in baseball.” |
MLB MORNING LINEUP PODCAST |
The Cubs are on the road for the rest of June, but return to Wrigley Field for a homestand against the Guardians (July 1-3) and Cardinals (July 4-6) to open next month. The highlight of the next round of promotions is a bluetooth speaker gate giveaway on July 3 (7:05 p.m. CT vs. Cleveland) in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Cubs’ radio broadcasts. There are a few special-ticket offers during the homestand as well. Check out the full 2025 promos list for all the details. |
PHASE 1 OF ALL-STAR VOTING ENDS SOON |
The finalists for the All-Star starting lineups will be revealed later this week, but fans still have until 11 p.m. CT on Thursday to vote (up to five times per day) at MLB.com, on all 30 MLB club sites and on the MLB app. The top two players at each position, plus the top six in the outfield, will advance to Phase 2, which begins on June 30. The top vote-getter in the American League and National League in Phase 1 automatically earn a spot on the All-Star team. |
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Ian Happ led off with a home run on both Friday and Saturday against the Mariners, giving him nine career homers as the first batter of a game. Who holds the Cubs’ career record for leadoff homers? A) Kyle Schwarber B) Rick Monday C) Alfonso Soriano D) Dexter Fowler |
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• Slammin’ Sammy returns to Wrigley after 21 years. Read more >> • PCA fastest to 20-20 season in Cubs history. Read more >>
• Happ makes some history with multi-homer showing. Read more >>
• Suzuki belts two in homer-happy loss to Mariners. Read more >> |
“He saw the wind blowing out [Friday] and planned his trip around a good day to be here. He asked to be in the lineup, because the wind’s blowing out. It’s fun that he’s back for our fans. They spent a lot of time enjoying Sammy’s great performances on the field.” -- Counsell, on Sammy Sosa’s return to Wrigley Field |
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C) Alfonso Soriano In his time with the Cubs, Soriano launched a club record 22 home runs to lead off a game, including the team’s single-season record of 12 in 2007. Monday (17) and Fowler (12) are next on the career list for the North Siders. Happ’s most recent leadoff shot moved him past Brian McRae (eight) for fourth on this list. |
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