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The injury bug has long plagued the Chicago Cubs throughout the season. After a disastrous start to the series against the rival St. Louis Cardinals on Monday night, Cubs fans can take a breath, as good news is (mostly) on the horizon.
After what felt like ages, Shota Imanaga is back
Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga is back with the big league club this week in St. Louis, as he prepares to make his first start with the team since early May. Imanaga was on point in his final rehab start in Iowa, striking out eight in 4 1/3 innings without allowing a run. That was all the Cubs needed to see from Imanaga, as he will take the ball for the series finale on Thursday, giving a much-needed breath to a rotation that is gasping for air.
Miguel Amaya has a return date in sight
Catcher Miguel Amaya has been out of commission since May 24 after being sidelined with an oblique strain. Manager Craig Counsell gave an update on his timetable ahead of Monday's game, saying that he has been both hitting and throwing, and that the Cubs expect him to return sometime around the All-Star break. Reese McGuire and Caron Kelly have done their best to hold down the fort in the meantime, but the return of Amaya would give a tremendous boost to a struggling Cubs lineup.
Matthew Boyd avoids disaster after a spectacular play
Matthew Boyd made a play for the highlight reels on Friday, catching a 104.7 MPH liner comebacker to the mound to end the fifth inning. Boyd did not return to the game as a precaution, and it was later revealed he sustained a shoulder bruise on the play. Now, Counsell revealed that Boyd threw a bullpen and had no issues, all but confirming the Cubs dodged a bullet.
The Cubs feel Porter Hodge is ready to return to the club
The Cubs have faced a long, painful ordeal with Porter Hodge. Originally going on the IL after straining an oblique on May 18, Hodge suffered setbacks in his recovery, putting a question mark on his return date. Hodge had progressed to rehab starts, where let’s just say things could have gone better. Despite getting roughed up in Triple-A Iowa, Hodge is back with the big league club in St. Louis, with Counsell saying they will "figure out when to activate him."