Shota Imanaga playoff fears hit Cubs fans after brutal radio warning

The Chicago Cubs suddenly have a Shota Imanaga problem in their starting rotation. Imanaga has been the de facto ace of the Cubs' rotation since Justin Steele went down with Tommy John surgery. But as the Cubs begin to map out their pitching plans for a National League Wild Card series against the San Diego Padres, Imanaga may find himself without a starting role.

Imanaga was once the clear choice to be the Cubs' Game 1 starter in a playoff series, but his start on Thursday may have raised a red flag that is too glaring to ignore. In the Cubs' 8-5 loss to the New York Mets, Imanaga was tagged for 8 runs on 9 hits in less than 6 innings of work. Imanga has been the victim of the home-run ball this season, and that was the case in his final start of the regular season, giving up two round-trippers.

Suddenly, it's no longer a question of if Imanaga will be the Game 1 starter for the Cubs; it's a question of if he gets a start at all.

Brutally honest Shota Imanaga take hits Cubs fans where it hurts most

The month of September was a disaster for Imanaga. In 5 starts, Imanaga had an ERA of 6.51. In 27 and 2/3 innings pitched during the final month of the regular season, Imanaga has given up 10 home runs. Given the struggles that Imanaga has had of late, in a shortened three-game series, there is a legitimate case to be made that he shouldn't be in the starting rotation.

Of course, the question then becomes who would take Imanaga's spot, assuming Cade Horton is the starter in Game 1 and Matthew Boyd is the starter in Game 2. Jameson Taillon would be the likely answer, with Colin Rea likely available as the piggy-back option. Imanaga, who has pitched exclusively as a starting pitcher in his first two years with the Cubs, could find himself left off the Cubs' playoff roster to start October.

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