Shota Imanaga delivers improved pitching performance; Seiya Suzuki nearing return

Chicago Cubs' Japanese starting pitcher Shota Imanaga made adjustments after his previous start where he allowed 4 runs over 5 innings. Today, he pitched into the sixth inning, giving up only 3 hits and 1 run. However, the Cubs ultimately lost 5-6 to the Cleveland Guardians on the road, leaving him still without his first win of the season.

Through the first five innings, Imanaga threw 86 pitches, recording 4 strikeouts and 1 walk, while allowing only 2 hits and no runs. In the sixth inning, he was removed after the first batter, Steven Kwan, hit a double. When he left the game, he was in line for a potential win, but reliever Ben Brown allowed the Guardians to score 3 runs in the inning to tie the game, and the Cubs eventually lost.

Regarding his performance, Imanaga said the first inning of each game is usually more challenging, with a higher pitch count, but he finds his rhythm starting from the second inning. He also mentioned that after his previous start, he discussed with the pitching coach what went well and what didn't. "During this period, I focused on correcting the areas that needed improvement, and today I successfully demonstrated those adjustments in the game."

Cubs manager Craig Counsell announced good news before the game: outfielder Seiya Suzuki, who injured his knee during the World Baseball Classic, completed his third rehab game at Double-A today. After discussions with the team, he will play two more rehab games and is expected to return as early as April 11 in the home game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

When asked if Suzuki was kept at Double-A because the next series is on the road against the Tampa Bay Rays and they wanted to avoid him playing on artificial turf, Counsell said, "The focus is on Seiya being ready for the start of the season. He didn't have a full spring training and missed several weeks. This is just to ensure he is prepared on the offensive side."