"Remember his name" - Cubs fans ecstatic as Shota Imanaga throws another gem, bringing his season ERA to 0.98
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga has been turning heads in his first season in the big leagues. While he was projected to be a middle-of-the-rotation pitcher, he has served as the team's ace early.
Going into his Friday start against the Boston Red Sox, he held a 3-0 record with a 0.84 ERA. He would only give up one run, going 6.1 innings while striking out seven batters.
Imanaga now holds a 0.98 ERA, the lowest in team history through a pitcher's first five starts. That is not a bad start from somebody who was not high on many expert's lists.
The incredible start has Cubs fans fired up. They were not expecting him to be as good as he looks through his first couple of starts.
"Remember his name" - one fan posted.
"Gotta admit I was skeptical on this pickup. So glad to be proven wrong" - said another fan.
"Put some respect on his name" - said another.
Not only is Imanaga putting his name in the hat to win NL Rookie of the Year, but he is a strong candidate to be a Cy Young Award winner as well. He has been one of the best free-agent signings this year.
"He's been nothing short of spectacular. What an acquisition by Hoyer" - one fan posted.
"I've seen enough. Give him Cy Young and ROY" - posted another.
"This guy is so much fun to watch" - posted another.
Imanaga signed a four-year, $53 million contract in the offseason. Chicago could be in great hands over the next several years if he continues to shine like this.
Cubs ace Shota Imanaga showed off his range on Friday
While Shota Imanaga has been impressive on the mound for the Cubs, he showed off his range against the Red Sox. He made a play on a weakly hit grounder to his left side and glove-flipped the ball to first for the out.
It is tough for left-handed pitchers to make plays on balls hit to their left side as they fall off the mound in the opposite direction. There is seemingly nothing that the lefty cannot do.
Imanaga has certainly been a reason the Cubs are in the mix in the National League Central with the Milwaukee Brewers. If he can lead the "Cubbies" to a division title, there is no denying him multiple awards when the season ends.