Back in early May, Shota Imanaga injured his hamstring while running to cover first base on a double play ground ball. He was then placed on the 15-day injured list. After a few bullpen sessions and minor league rehab appearances, Imanaga will be activated for Thursday’s start against the St. Louis Cardinals.
In 44.2 innings pitched this season, Imanaga has posted a 2.82 ERA. He’s been extremely fortunate, though, as the BABIP is only .222 while the strand rate is 86.7%. The FIP is also much higher at 4.53. Imanaga has allowed seven home runs while posting an 11% K-BB%.
Matthew Boyd suffered a bruised shoulder in his last start when he fell to the ground after catching a comebacker. On Monday, manager Craigh Counsell said that Boyd has pitched his normal bullpen sessions and is good to go for Wednesday against the Cardinals.
Boyd has been the ace of the Cubs pitching staff, posting a 2.84 ERA in 85.2 innings. The FIP is slightly higher at 3.65 but the results look legit. He’s allowed only 10 home runs while posting a 16.8% K-BB%.
Wednesday will be the first time facing the Cardinals this season.