Not even a rain delay could derail Shota Imanaga.
He adjusted his eating time, took short naps and went out and had another impressive start in the Cubs’ 5-0 win Sunday against the Nationals at Wrigley Field.
The left-hander continued his All-Star season by throwing seven scoreless innings with no walks and four strikeouts. He has allowed three or fewer runs in his last nine starts.
Amid the Cubs’ disappointing season, Imanaga (15-3) has provided bright spots. His starts have become must-see events, as evidenced by the marquee outside the ballpark that displays “Sho Time” before his starts.
“He’s been our best pitcher,” manager Craig Counsell said. “He’s been our best player, there’s no question about it. He’s just delivered, and he’s been a huge boost for us.”
There were unknowns surrounding Imanaga as he transitioned to the U.S. from Japan. He’d have to learn a new city, familiarize himself with new teammates and adjust to new hitters. But he has answered every unknown resoundingly. Imanaga has the third-most strikeouts by a Cubs rookie (174).
“There’s nothing that we’ve thrown at him that has distracted him, and that’s a great trait, as well,” Counsell said. “Interrupt his routine, doesn’t matter. Different days off, doesn’t matter. Cold weather, doesn’t matter. That’s a credit to a true competitor.”
What also has been impressive about Imanaga’s rookie season is his durability. He has started 29 games and thrown 173⅓ innings, both of which are the most on the team.
“Talking to Craig, talking to my teammates, they really emphasized how important it is to stay healthy, especially in September,” Imanaga said through an interpreter. “So that was one of the goals of mine, especially back in spring training.”
The Cubs (80-76) are 57-70 in games that Imanaga doesn’t pitch. He has become the go-to guy in the rotation.
“In a way, the numbers don’t lie,” said first baseman Michael Busch, who hit a solo homer in the fourth. “He’s done it against some really good lineups, too.”
After his start Sunday, Imanaga became one of seven National League pitchers with four outings of at least seven scoreless innings. He’s 7-1 with a 2.83 ERA since the All-Star break.
“He’s had a great season,” Counsell said. “It’s been fabulous. Finishing on a strong note, continuing to pitch super well. It’s been good from start to as we get to the end here.”
Imanaga takes pride in getting the ball and performing well for the team. He wants to continue adding to his game for next season.
“One of the most important things — especially as a starting pitcher — is to stay in the rotation throughout the year, continue to throw innings,” he said. “Moving forward, just keep staying healthy and then work on trying to surpass how many innings I threw [for] next year.”
His success is a testament to his preparation and overall pitching acumen. Imanaga ingrained himself with the team with his affable personality. Signing Imanaga proved to be a shrewd move by president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer.
“[Imanaga] simplified what he was doing when he came here, and that’s hard to do,” Counsell said. “You think you got to do more; you’re coming to a better league. He’s really simplified it, and I think in a large part that’s helped him.
“It’s helped him be convicted. I think it’s helped him stay fresh, and he’s done a great job.”