Cubs rotation faces tough choices with Shota Imanaga set to return

Craig Counsell confirmed over the weekend that Shota Imanaga will be returning for the Chicago Cubs during their four-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals. On Monday, Counsell took it a step further and confirmed that Imanaga will be the starter for the game between the two teams on Thursday.

Imanaga's return will lead to a difficult decision for the Cubs' pitching staff. Before last week, it seemed like the expectation was that Ben Brown would be moved from the starting rotation to the bullpen once Imanaga returned. However, with signs of regression surfacing in Colin Rea's recent starts, the veteran could be in line to move back to the bullpen and serve as an additional arm who can pitch multiple innings per appearance.

Of course, there is also news that Matthew Boyd is dealing with a left shoulder bruise, and a rumor is making the rounds that the Cubs could be closer to dealing for a starting pitcher. It's possible the Cubs skip Boyd's spot in the rotation this time through, allowing each of Brown and Rea to make one more start before a bullpen move is determined. As of now, Boyd remains scheduled for his next start on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Brown struggled on Monday night in an outing that has not only welcomed speculation of a move to the bullpen, but a possible suggestion that he may need to be headed to Triple-A.

Rea was on the mound for the Cubs during their loss to the Seattle Mariners on Sunday, giving up 7 runs on 11 hits, including 4 home runs. Rea is now sporting a 5.57 ERA on the season, and if anything, it's more confirmation of why he did not open the season in the Cubs' rotation.

Shota Imanaga’s return might shake up Cubs’ pitching plans

Assuming the Cubs do add a starting pitcher, if not now, before the trade deadline, it would be reasonable to assume both Brown and Rea end up in the bullpen. Until then, it might be in the Cubs' best interest to move Brown to the bullpen.

For the long term, Brown should be considered as an option for the team's rotation. However, for the short term, the Cubs' bullpen is in desperate need of someone who can miss bats. If nothing else, Brown would instantly check that box for the bullpen.

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