Overview

• Shota Imanaga returns from a hamstring strain that sidelined him since early May.
• In his final rehab start, the 31-year-old southpaw threw 4 1/3 scoreless innings on 72 pitches for Triple-A Iowa.
• Michael Fulmer was designated for assignment after making two scoreless relief appearances this week.
• Chicago has gone 25-16 without Imanaga and views his return as vital amid Justin Steele’s season-ending elbow injury.
• Imanaga is slated to take the mound in Thursday’s opener as the Cubs look to strengthen their rotation en route to the postseason.