WATCH: Shota Imanaga's best early-season moments |
Tony Crumpton
· · Friday, May 02 2025
Watch some of Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga's top highlights in March and April 2025, as shown on Marquee Sports Network.
Watch the video below:
Video summary/cliff notes:
(00:01 - 00:44): Imanaga induces multiple popups and weak contact, with solid defensive support from Dansby Swanson and others; showcases control and pitch placement early in the game.
(01:10): Picks up a strikeout against Randal Grichuk with a swing and miss; starts showing his swing-and-miss stuff.
(01:40): Notable outfield assist — Pete Crow-Armstrong throws out a runner at third base, highlighting Cubs' defense supporting Imanaga.
(02:21 - 02:50): Strikes out Manny Machado twice, once looking and once swinging; displays pitch variety and command.
(03:25): Uses a well-executed splitter to strike out Garcia; emphasizes his effective off-speed pitches.
(04:11 - 04:40): Racks up back-to-back strikeouts, including Xander Bogaerts and others; uses splitter and changeup to great effect.
(05:07): Reaches 7 strikeouts; freezes Luis Arraez on a borderline pitch, showcasing deception.
(05:40): Induces a double play to eliminate a leadoff walk threat; consistently escapes trouble.
(06:11): Achieves strikeout number 200 for the season — a major milestone early in the year.
(06:58): Finishes strong with five scoreless innings and multiple K’s, including a key strikeout of Bryan Reynolds.
