Cubs Anticipate Shota Imanaga Returning to Rotation During Cardinals Series

Cubs Anticipate Shota Imanaga Returning to Rotation During Cardinals Series originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Chicago Cubs have had issues with their starting rotation in 2025. From the Justin Steele season-ending injury to the Javier Assad setback, there have been a lot of question marks in the rotation. But, fortunately for the Cubs, there is some good news on the way.

According to Lance Brozdowski of Marquee Sports Network, during an appearance on the Rahimi and Harris show for 670 The Score, the Cubs are expected to get starting pitcher Shota Imanaga back in the next week.

“I anticipate him [Imanaga] joining the team for the road trip,” Brozdowski said. “He would lineup to probably pitch in those games against St. Louis, which would obviously be a really nice return, so we’ll see.”

Imanaga returning for the Cubs’ road trip, and specifically for the St. Louis Cardinals series, would have the Cubs getting their ace back within the next week. Brozdowski mentioned Imanaga was getting one more rehab start in Triple-A on Friday, June 20th.

So, if given normal rest, Imanaga could be making his return around June 25th against the Cardinals. While it may be an optimistic outlook, it’s still a great sign that even if not against the Cardinals, barring a setback, Imanaga’s return is right around the corner.

Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga (18) walks toward the mound to be checked out by a trainer after being injured against the Milwaukee Brewers in the sixth inning at American Family Field.Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

He hasn’t pitched since May 4th against the Milwaukee Brewers, when he was forced out of the game early as he suffered a hamstring issue. Now, with his rehab start projected to be his last, the Cubs are on the cusp of getting their ace back on the mound.

Matthew Boyd, Jameson Taillon, Cade Horton, and Colin Rea have held it down in his absence, and each will likely remain in the rotation once Imanaga returns. Ben Brown, with his 5.57 ERA, will likely be the odd man out in the rotation.

Imanaga, before the injury, had a 2.82 ERA and a 3-2 record. Getting him back in the rotation would be a huge boost for the Cubs. Not only is it great for winning games, but his return should help determine how the team approaches the trade deadline.

The Cubs have needed Imanaga, and with this report from Brozdowski, it seems like Imanaga’s return is imminent. Sitting 5.5 games up in the NL Central, this news is great for the Cubs.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.

Cubs Anticipate Shota Imanaga Returning to Rotation During Cardinals Series

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