Shota Imanaga’s 2026 pitching debut left something to be desired.

The left-hander threw five innings against the Nationals Sunday, allowing four earned runs, three hits and a homer as the Cubs fell, 6-3. His current ERA is 7.20.  But it’s important to remember that it was just one game. Plus, Imanaga struck out seven batters during the matchup.

For those feeling some concern after Imanaga’s first start, pitching coach Tommy Hottovy has some reassuring words.

“I know Shota had a fantastic year in [20]24 but I think his stuff is better right now, I really do,” Hottovy told The Score Wednesday. “I think the [velocity] is better. I think he’s got a bigger repertoire and a bigger pitch mix.”

The 2024 season was Imanaga’s strongest. He went 15-3, posting a 2.91 ERA across 29 starts. Hottovy’s opinion that Imanaga looks better than in the 2024 season is a strong statement, but an exciting one.

Hottovy on Imanaga’s improvement

The pitching coach pointed out that Imanaga never faced the Nationals last season but started against the team twice in 2024.

Hottovy said comparing Imanaga now to his two 2024 outings against Washington is partially where he sees the pitcher’s growth.

Sunday’s start may not have been perfect — Imanaga gave up a home run to right fielder Joey Wiemer in the first inning — but Hottovy isn’t worried.

“Obviously there’s two ways to avoid homers, swing and miss or balls on the ground. That’s really the only two ways you can 100% avoid giving up a home run,” Hottovy explained. “And so those are things we’re working on, and he’s working on. I know he was obviously frustrated with giving up the homer, but again, he composed himself and pitched extremely well the rest of the way, kept us in the ball game.”

For Hottovy, the focus with Imanaga is simple: growth.

“I mean, there’s so many positive things to take away from what Shota did and what he’s been working on,” Hottovy said. “And I do, I believe he’s a better pitcher right now than what we even saw in 24. I think the stuff is understanding how he wants to use everything.”

Hottovy noted Imanaga worked on a different version of his sinker in Spring Training. It was the same pitch Washington’s Keibert Ruiz grounded into a double play in the second inning Sunday.

“…to get that result with wind blowing out in a bit, in a big moment, and get a ground ball double play, like those are little things like such a good win for him to see the work that he’s putting in, getting the results he wants,” Hottovy said.

Rotational decisions

Hottovy also noted the decisions behind the order of the starting rotation had a lot to do with scheduling, especially considering the timing of the World Baseball Classic.

He explained the team had to consider athletes’ off-days and expected returns from the tournament, among other factors. As it stands now, Hottovy seems content with the rotation.

“I do think being able to mix, you know, separate the lefties and righties up a little bit, putting Shota between Cade [Horton] and Edward [Cabrera]. It’s just giving teams different looks and different things to have to deal with throughout the course of the season,” Hottovy said.