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New York Mets provide reminder as they torch Cubs' rookie Shota Imanaga

Jordan Campbell
Jordan Campbell

Cubbies Crib

New York Mets v Chicago Cubs / Jamie Sabau/GettyImages

For the first time this season, Chicago Cubs rookie starting Shota Imanaga faced a team for the second time. Prior to his start against the New York Mets on Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field, Imanaga had yet to face a team for a second time this season.

Prior to the game, Craig Counsell downplayed the significance of Imanaga facing a team for a second time as Counsell did not lend credence to the idea that teams may be better prepared to face the Cubs' rookie starting pitcher in their second look against him.

Imanaga was brilliant in his first start against the Mets on May 1. In that game, Imanaga tossed seven shutout innings while striking out 7.

It was a much different story for Imanaga on Friday. Imanaga failed to last 4 innings in his start against the Mets on Friday as the aggressive approach from New York's starting lineup saw them rock the Cubs' starting pitcher for 10 runs on 11 hits including 3 home runs.

Adjustments will be needed for Shota Imanaga.

Much like Michael Busch, as a rookie hitter, needed to make the adjustment back after struggling once the book was out on him, Imanaga will need to make a similar adjustment on the mound.

For Imanaga, the adjustment will need to be with his pitch mix. The Mets took a similar approach on Friday that the Milwaukee Brewers did on May 29 when they touched up Imanaga for 7 runs. In both games, the game plan against Shota was to swing early and often as hitters were looking to attack his fastball and not give him a chance to throw his splitter. As Imanaga begins to face teams for a second and third time, it will be on him to alter his pitch mix to keep hitters from attacking the fastball. Otherwise, outings like the one he had on Friday may become a regular occurrence.

Jordan Campbell

Jordan Campbell

For nearly 15 years, Jordan has been a workhorse across the FanSided network - including being the inaugural site expert for Cubbies Crib, as well as a stop at Da Windy City as the site expert. In addition to returning to be a Co-Site Expert at Cubbies Crib, Jordan was previously the Site Expert at Bear Goggles On. In the years since, Jordan has joined FanSided's full-time team, serving as a staff writer for the MLB division. Jordan's work can be seen across the MLB division, including a consistent presence on our Cubs, Twins, Astros, and Tigers sites. Since 2010, Jordan has dedicated his craft to providing insightful commentary on all things Chicago sports, and he has enjoyed his venture into all things Major League Baseball.