In Tuesday’s matchup, Shota Imanaga demonstrated his prowess by limiting the Padres to just two runs across seven-plus innings.
Before signing with the Cubs during the previous off-season, Imanaga sought advice from Yu Darvish, who had previously played for the Cubs. Their conversation ranged from general inquiries about various teams to specific insights about life in Chicago. Darvish, known for his stint with the Cubs despite some initial challenges, praised the city and its supportive fan base. Imanaga, now experiencing the Cubs organization firsthand, echoed Darvish’s sentiments, acknowledging the greatness of the team and the city.
Notably, Darvish’s influence extends beyond just Imanaga. Earlier, right fielder Seiya Suzuki also sought guidance from Darvish during his transition to MLB. Darvish’s reputation among Japanese players is remarkable, with his success and mentorship highly respected.
While Darvish and Imanaga didn’t directly face off in the same game this week, their performances were noteworthy. Darvish kept the Cubs off the scoreboard for five innings on Monday, while Imanaga pitched admirably, allowing only two earned runs in a Tuesday victory.
Unfortunately, the Cubs faced a setback with reliever Daniel Palencia experiencing shoulder tightness during Monday’s game. Palencia expressed hope for a swift recovery, but the team placed him on the 15-day IL due to a diagnosed strained right shoulder. Manager Craig Counsell mentioned that the symptoms were unique, indicating the need for further evaluation to determine the extent of the injury. Palencia’s condition remained under observation, awaiting further medical assessment.
