Chicago Cubs fans will surely be excited to see vetran star return to the mound at Wrigley Field.
The 31-year-old left-handed pitcher has been sidelined since May 5 due to a left hamstring strain. Cubs manager Craig Counsell recently indicated that, barring any setbacks, he is expected to make his comeback in late June or early July.
The big question now is whether the fans will be impressed when he returns.
Signed as a free agent on January 11, 2024, he quickly won over the Chicago crowd—not just with his ace-level pitching, but also with his connection to the team’s history and his great sense of humor. His standout 15-3 record with a 2.91 ERA last season certainly helped cement his status as a fan favorite.
Fan Favorite Shota Imanaga Considers Cutting His ‘Beautiful Hair’
Another part of Imanaga’s charm, revealed in a recent NBC News interview, is his long, flowing black hair, which has caught the attention not only of fans but also his teammates.
“My teammates, if I’m drying my hair or combing it, they compliment me, saying I have beautiful hair,” Imanaga shared with a laugh.
However, those closest to him seem to think it might be time for a change, which could make some around Wrigleyville cringe.
“My mom and my friends keep saying, ‘It’s probably time to cut your hair,’” he added.
That said, Cubs fans likely wouldn’t mind if Imanaga shaved his head completely, as long as he keeps pitching with the same excellence that earned him fifth place in the NL Cy Young voting last season.
Shota Imanaga Throws Bullpen Sessions in Working Way Back from Hamstring Sprain
In his last outing against the Milwaukee Brewers on May 4, Imanaga had to exit the game in the sixth inning after sustaining a hamstring strain while trying to turn a double play. On a ground ball to Cubs first baseman Michael Busch, Imanaga sprinted toward first base to catch the throw but suddenly pulled up, clutching the back of his leg.
Initial updates suggested the injury was a mild sprain. After some weeks off, Imanaga threw 28 pitches in a bullpen session on Thursday and followed that with another session on Saturday. He was also seen throwing in the outfield before Chicago’s home game on Sunday—coincidentally Shota Imanaga Bobblehead Day at Wrigley Field—and is expected to continue his rehab at the Cubs’ spring training facility in Arizona this week.
The Cubs will likely have him face live hitters during batting practice before deciding whether to send him on a minor-league rehab assignment or gradually increase his pitch count through simulated games.
But the burning question among fans remains: what will his hair look like when he returns?