Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga dominates in his first rehab start in Arizona

After pitching in a bullpen session on Saturday, Chicago Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga got the start in a rehab stint in the Arizona Complex League, where he was given two innings against the ACL Rockies.

Imanaga has been on the injured list since May 5 while rehabbing a left hamstring strain. Yesterday marked the first time Imanaga appeared in a game since May 4, where he sustained the aforementioned hamstring strain while pitching against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Shota Imanaga was lights-out on the mound, albeit in a small sample size

The Cubs' southpaw made it through two innings on just 15 pitches, striking out four while only allowing one baserunner on a two-out triple in the first. Imanaga was flat-out dominant in his first rehab stint, with all of his strikeouts coming on just three pitches.

Yes, it is Rookie Ball. However, getting through two innings with absolute confidence makes the light at the end of the tunnel of Imanaga’s recovery look just that much brighter. The Cubs desperately need Imanaga back as soon as possible as the rotation is in need of major reinforcements as they approach the middle point of the season.

Ahead of tonight's series finale against the Philadephia Phillies, Counsell gave some insights as to how they viewed Imanaga's start and how that impacts their next steps.

"Shota has got a couple more starts before you're going to see him in Chicago," Counsell said. "That's because as a starter, you've got to go through this process where you're lengthened out and your arm recovers."

As it stands, Ben Brown and Matthew Boyd have carried their weight in the rotation as much as they can. In addition, Jameson Taillon is quietly having an incredibly unappreciated season on the mound, continuing to crank out quality start after quality start in Imanaga’s absence.

What the Cubs’ rotation lacks is a clear-cut ace, a role balanced by both Imanaga and Justin Steele, both of whom are out of commission. The Cubs expect Imanaga to return come late June, but keep an eye on Jed Hoyer as we inch closer to the trade deadline. 

Imanaga’s return would be a huge addition to a Cubs rotation in desperate need of reinforcements, but another quality arm added at the deadline may be enough to solidify themselves as contenders and set themselves up for a deep playoff run.