We have been waiting 53 days, seven and a half weeks, for this news: Cubs lefthander Shōta Imanaga has been activated from the 15-day injured list.
As a reminder, here’s the play where he suffered the hamstring injury [VIDEO].
Beyond just missing all that time, the timing of that in the game couldn’t have been worse. If that play goes somewhere else and Imanaga’s not part of it, he was probably leaving that game after that inning anyway.
In any case, the Cubs will welcome back their star lefthander, who has missed about seven starts, to go this afternoon against the Cardinals. Imanaga has a 2.82 ERA and 1.097 WHIP in eight starts so far this year, which is right in line with his performance last year.
To make room for Imanaga on the 26-man active roster, Michael Fulmer was designated for assignment. Fulmer has thrown well in two appearances for the Cubs, and perhaps he clears waivers and can stay in the organization. The DFA leaves an open spot on the 40-man roster.
As always, we await developments. Today’s game preview will post at 11 a.m. CT.