Cubs’ Shota Imanaga makes worst kind of history in another disastrous start

As the Chicago Cubs try to make a deep playoff push, they’re hopeful Shota Imanaga will play a crucial role in their pitching department. But in his most recent outing against the Cincinnati Reds, the left-hander didn’t look the part.

Imanaga allowed three home runs in a 7-5 defeat. It was the sixth time this season he allowed three+ home runs, the most of any single left-handed pitcher in MLB history over a single season, via OptaSTATS.

Overall, Imanaga lasted five innings, allowing eight hits, six runs and a walk while striking out four. The loss dropped Chicago to 77-60 on the season. While they still hold a 4.5 game lead over the competition in the Wild Card race, numerous teams are closing in. The Cubs can’t afford to take their foot off the gas.

After his Reds implosion, Imanaga now holds a 4.01 ERA and a 148/35 K/BB ratio. On the surface, his numbers don’t look terrible at all. His ERA may be a little inflated from his career 3.52 mark, but Imanaga is just 27 strikeouts away from breaking his career-high.

Still, his recent results have told a much gloomier picture. Imanaga has allowed three or more runs in three of his last five outings with two of those appearances seeing four+ runs cross. Furthermore, his 33 home runs allowed are tied for most in all of baseball.

If Imanaga is going to keep his rotation spot in the postseason, he is going to limit the long ball. He has already had an infamous season in the home run department.

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