- Imanaga improves to 8-2 at Wrigley Field with 2.61 ERA across 17 career starts
- 0.98 ERA through first three 2025 starts with 18.1 innings pitched
- First Cubs pitcher since Rick Sutcliffe (1988-89) to win consecutive home openers
- Defensive gems from Pete Crow-Armstrong and Dansby Swanson seal crucial outs
- Manager Craig Counsell praises quality pitch sequencingas key to success
Chicago Cubs fans erupted in cheers as Shota Imanaga took the mound for Friday's home opener against the San Diego Padres, repeating his role from last year's successful debut. The Japanese left-hander delivered a masterclass in precision pitching, scattering four hits across 7.1 innings while striking out five batters. This marks Imanaga's third consecutive quality start, cementing his status as the Cubs' early-season ace amidst questions about sophomore slump potential.
Wrigley Field's unique dimensions posed no challenge for the 31-year-old southpaw, who maintained 74.7% strike accuracy throughout the game. His fastball location was textbook today,noted Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy during the post-game press conference. When Shota commands the upper third of the zone like that, he becomes virtually unhittable.Advanced metrics revealed Imanaga induced 14 swinging strikes on his signature four-seamer, which averaged 92.3 mph with late rising action.
The Cubs' defense provided crucial support, highlighted by Pete Crow-Armstrong's leaping catch at the center field wall in the second inning. Statcast data measured the play as a 29% catch probability, saving what would have been an extra-base hit for Xander Bogaerts. That play changed the game's momentum,Imanaga remarked through interpreter Edwin Stanberry. When your defense makes plays like that, it allows you to attack the zone fearlessly.
San Diego's lone run came via Martín Maldonado's third-inning solo shot, but Imanaga quickly regained control. The lefty retired 15 of the next 17 batters, mixing his slider and splitter effectively to keep Padres hitters off balance. His 7.1-inning outing set a new career high, demonstrating improved stamina from his rookie campaign. Cubs manager Craig Counsell emphasized post-game: This is who Shota is - a pitcher who thrives under pressure and executes his game plan.
Industry analysts point to Imanaga's adaptation strategies as critical to his sustained success. Unlike many NPB transplants who struggle with MLB's five-day rotation cycle, Imanaga has incorporated advanced recovery protocols including cryotherapy and proprioceptive training. The Cubs' $53 million investment now appears prescient, with the left-hander emerging as a clubhouse leader and fan favorite. Merchandise sales data shows Imanaga jerseys rank third among MLB pitchers, trailing only Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Spencer Strider.
Regional comparisons highlight Imanaga's unique place in Cubs history. His 2.61 ERA at Wrigley Field now ranks fifth among all pitchers with at least 100 innings at the iconic ballpark since 2000. The performance also continues Chicago's trend of successful Asian-born pitchers, following in the footsteps of Yu Darvish and Koji Uehara. With the Cubs sitting atop the NL Central early in the season, Imanaga's consistency could prove vital in the team's playoff push.