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Imanaga’s Rough Finale Clouds Cubs’ Rotation Plans for Padres Wild-Card Series

Coaches point to sharper pitch placement as his quickest fix before the Padres series.

Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga heads to the clubhouse after being taken out of the game in the sixth inning against the Mets at Wrigley Field on Sept. 25, 2025, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Overview

  • Shota Imanaga gave up a season-high eight runs on nine hits with two homers over 5 2/3 innings in an 8-5 loss to the Mets, prompting Craig Counsell to say the lefty “wasn’t sharp.”
  • The Cubs and Padres are locked into next week’s National League wild-card matchup, and Chicago has a magic number of two to clinch home field for the best-of-three set.
  • Imanaga has allowed 31 home runs this season (third most in MLB) with a 1.93 HR/9 (second highest) as his strikeout rate has dipped, heightening concern about his current form.
  • Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy emphasized execution and using more of the strike zone rather than simply pouring strikes, noting Imanaga’s run prevention depends on precise location.
  • Rookie Cade Horton’s MRI revealed rib “areas of concern,” yet he remains on track for the postseason for now, while Moises Ballesteros’ recent production is bolstering his roster case and Seiya Suzuki hit two homers in the loss.