Chicago Cubs left-handed ace is making strides in his recovery from a left hamstring strain that has kept him out since May 4, according to manager Craig Counsell.
Ahead of Wednesday’s series finale against the Colorado Rockies, Imanaga completed a 28-pitch bullpen session, ran, and participated in fielding drills.
“Overall, it was a really productive day,” Counsell said. “We’re planning to repeat the routine over the weekend, provided everything looks good tomorrow. Then we’ll take the next step from there.”
If all continues to go well, Imanaga is expected to head to the Cubs’ training facility in Mesa, Arizona, potentially coinciding with the team’s upcoming nine-game road trip starting Tuesday.
Imanaga was an All-Star in his MLB debut season last year after coming over from Japan, finishing with a 15-3 record and a 2.91 ERA over 29 starts. He signed a four-year, $53 million deal with the Cubs in January 2024 and went on to place fourth in NL Rookie of the Year voting.
The 31-year-old began this season solidly with a 3-2 record and a 2.82 ERA across eight starts. He sustained the injury while covering first base on a possible double play during the sixth inning of a 4-0 loss to the Brewers in Milwaukee.