Shota Imanaga’s Cubs slump gets brutal truth bomb from former player

Chicago Cubs fans have been left scratching their heads after the Milwaukee Brewers have run circles around the Cubs during the first two games of the NLDS. The troll accounts on social media have suggested that the Astros might be channeling the 2017 Houston Astros, but the truth is that Shota Imanaga has been bad since the start of September.

Imanaga's struggles continued in Game 2 of the series on Monday night. Despite looking dominant to open the bottom half of the first inning, striking out the first two batters of the Brewers' lineup with ease, things quickly spiraled out of control. In less than 3 innings of work, Imanaga was tagged for 4 home runs on 5 hits. Home runs have been the issue for Imanaga throughout the season, which would be the reason why the Brewers' dominance is tied to the Cubs' pitching staff's inability to execute pitches.

Talking about Imanaga's issue with home runs after the game, Craig Counsell didn't reveal anything insightful.

“There’s a tipping point to giving up home runs,” Counsell said. “Shota has succeeded because he’s kept runners off base and maybe the solo home run doesn’t hurt you as much. A three-run homer is gonna kill (you). You can survive some solo home runs. Homers with men on base like that? You’re gonna have a tough time surviving them.”

Cubs finally hearing tough truths about Shota Imanaga’s meltdown

Imanaga had an ERA of 6.51 during his 5 starts in September while giving up 10 home runs. In other words, what the Brewers did on Monday night is no different than what has been happening to the 32-year-old starting pitcher dating back to the final weeks of the regular season.

After the game, the post-game crew for the Marquee Sports Network, including former Cubs outfielder Ryan Sweeney, suggested that Imanaga may be tipping his pitches. It was a thought that Sweeney expanded upon during his radio hit on 670 The Score on Tuesday morning.

It's also worth mentioning that there was a noticeable dip in Imanaga's velocity after the first inning. In situations like this, the simplest answer is often true. Imanaga has had inconsistent velocity throughout the season, and when he has missed, he has missed over the plate. In the playoffs, those mistakes are going to get punished every time.

If the matter is just Imanaga tipping his pitches, that would be ideal for the Cubs. The Cubs have a decision to make this offseason with Imanaga's contract, and his struggles to close out the season make the decision less obvious. However, if the Cubs believe Imanaga's home run woes this season can easily be fixed, it remains likely that they exercise the club option.