Cubs' Shoto Imanaga Goes 15-3 With A 2.91 Era In 29 Starts As Rookie

Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga stands in the dugout during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga stands in the dugout during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

CHICAGO (AP) — Shota Imanaga won't start for the Chicago Cubs against Cincinnati on Sunday and finished his rookie season 15-3 with a 2.91 ERA in 29 starts.

The 31-year-old left-hander from Japan won't pitch because the “risk-reward benefit was not there," manager Craig Counsell said Saturday.

Imanaga struck out 174 and walked 28 in 173 1/3 innings. He was 6-0 with a 2.25 ERA in his last six starts.

“We really feel like we've covered the innings for the rest of the season, essentially,” Counsell said.

Imanaga also set a personal high for wins as a professional, besting a 13-7 mark with Yokohama in 2019.

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