Cubs GM Gives Health Update on Left-Hander Shota Imanaga
The Chicago Cubs took care of business against a brutal Chicago White Sox team over the weekend, sweeping them in their three-game set.
The Cubs will take on the Miami Marlins, Cincinnati Reds, Colorado Rockies, and Washington Nationals until June 5. This is the perfect opportunity for the Cubs to create some separation in the National League Central, but is it possible with the injuries the team has dealt with?
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One player in particular that the Cubs need back is Shota Imanaga. Imanaga has thrown the baseball at a very high level throughout his career but has been out since May 4 before going down with a hamstring injury.
Some have questioned when he might return for Chicago.
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga (18) delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park.Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
According to Carter Hawkins, the Cubs have to build him up before he returns to the mound.
'It's a little bit different when you have a pitcher,' Hawkins said, per Marquee Sports. 'He has to deal with getting his lower half ready … But he also has to continue to keep his arm healthy. There's a little bit of deconditioning that happens when you're not able to throw on the mound. We have to build him back up.'
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Hawkins later added that the Cubs plan to be safe with him and that's the best plan to take. The last thing the Cubs want is an injury to Imanaga throughout the postseason, something they can't afford.
'Same thing with Shota … We're gonna be safe with (him) for sure. But I expect that we'll get him back here soon, and I can't wait to get him back in that rotation.'
Related: Cubs to Recall Top Prospect Matt Shaw After Torrid Stretch in Minor Leagues
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