Particle.news
Download on the App Store
9 ARTICLES
·
3h ago

Imanaga’s Homer Problem Persists in Reds Loss as Cubs Plot Playoff Fix

Chicago prioritizes mechanical tweaks, pitch sequencing to curb his homer trend before a postseason start.

Cubs starter Shota Imanaga delivers in the first inning against the Reds at Great American Ball Park on Sept. 19, 2025, in Cincinnati. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • In a 7-4 defeat in Cincinnati, Shota Imanaga yielded three solo home runs and four runs (three earned) across five innings.
  • Imanaga has allowed 29 homers in 139 innings this season, a 1.88 HR/9 rate that ranks third-highest among pitchers with at least 100 innings.
  • Coaches and Imanaga attribute recent inconsistency to a midseason hamstring strain and ongoing work to rebuild lower-body mechanics.
  • Catcher Carson Kelly plans a pitch-usage and sequencing review after all three Reds homers came off Imanaga’s four-seam fastball, which accounts for 22 of his 29 long balls.
  • One more regular-season start is expected to set up a Game 1 or Game 2 assignment in the NL Wild Card Series, with Chicago holding the top spot and a magic number of four.