Cubs couldn't escape their Shota Imanaga doubts last October but this year feels different

A definining moment for how injuries and construction of the pitching staff failed the Chicago Cubs last October is when Craig Counsell refused to use Shota Imanaga during a decisive Game 5 of the NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers. It also felt like the writing on the wall for Imanaga's future in Chicago, though, through happenstance, Imanaga returned to the Cubs by means of accepting the team's qualifying offer.

It's been a season of adjustments for Imanaga. Through the first month of the season, he posted an ERA of 2.88 while striking out over 28% of the hitters he faced. It was the best version of Imanaga the Cubs have seen, but things came undone in May, considering the 33-year-old had an ERA of 5.80. He was better in June, but with an ERA of 4.18, it felt like Imanaga was once again trending toward becoming the pitcher the Cubs couldn't trust in the playoffs.

He then pitched to a 1.53 ERA in July, before regressing once again in August, sporting a 5.96. If anything, Imanaga has been consistent at being inconsistent this season.

The Cubs are once again approaching decision time, and it would appear that Imanaga has once again turned the corner for the better. Over his last three starts, Imanaga has an ERA of 2.00 while striking out nearly 24% of the hitters he's faced. He's only given up one home run over his last 18 innings pitched, and opposing batters are hitting .185 against him.

Cubs are getting perfect Shota Imanaga development at exactly the right time for October

One tell for Imanaga's success over his last three starts is that he's relied on his splitter. Imanga has relied on his splitter to find success, throwing it the most of any pitch he has, but he's been avoiding the middle of the strike zone and working the edges. It goes back to the success Imanaga was having at the start of the season when the Cubs suggested throwing pitches outside of the strike zone is not always a bad thing.

The constant tinkering with Imanaga's profile this season has erased the fear that was using him at the end of last season. Now, it seems like he's capable of finding success against good teams, as was the case on Wednesday against the Atlanta Braves.

The version of Imanaga the Cubs have seen over his last three starts is one who should be in the playoff rotation. Something that couldn't have been said last year.

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