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4 backup plans the Cubs could turn to in the wake of Shota Imanaga's injury

The Chicago Cubs could be without Shota Imanaga for some time, opening a path for one of the team's depth options
ByRich Eberwein|
Sep 15, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Keegan Thompson (71) pitches in the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Sep 15, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Keegan Thompson (71) pitches in the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
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During Sunday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago Cubs ace Shota Imanaga suffered a hamstring strain that could land him on the injured list.

The Cubs won't know the severity of the injury or how long Imanaga could be out for until he receives an MRI on Monday. But from the way the second-year left-hander was limping, and the fact that he immediately exited the game, the Cubs need to prepare for a stint on the injured list.

Chicago has already suffered one significant blow to their starting rotation when Justin Steele received season-ending elbow surgery earlier this year. The starting rotation is already on a shaky foundation with Colin Rea and Ben Brown being mainstays, not to mention Matthew Boyd's injury risk.

But until Chicago can attempt to swing a trade for a starter, here are some of their options.

1. Put Chris Flexen in the rotation

Chris Flexen is the most likely option to slide into the starting rotation. He is already on the active roster and he is stretched out as a starter. The 30-year-old spent the first month of the season starting games for the Iowa Cubs in Triple-A and he dazzled with a 1.16 ERA in five starts, with 21 strikeouts over 23.1 innings pitched. The right-hander also limited opponents to a .224 batting average.

Since his minor league contract featured an opt-out on May 1, Flexen was called up to take the swingman/long reliever job in the major league bullpen after Javier Assad was shelved with an oblique strain. So far, Flexen has one appearance under his belt, and it came during Friday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers. The veteran pitcher piggybacked Ben Brown's dominant outing to provide three shutout innings of his own while striking out four.

Flexen has had a rough track record over the last two seasons (9.20 ERA), but it wasn't long ago he was a vital contributor to the Seattle Mariners rotation. The veteran has eight years of MLB experience as both a starter and reliever, he is stretched out to start games, and he has been successful this year. Flexen just makes the most sense right now.

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