Why Cubs’ Shota Imanaga was removed from game amid no-hit bid vs. Pirates

On a sunny Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field, Chicago Cubs fans were treated to a stellar pitching performance by their ace, Shota Imanaga. The left-handed pitcher was in the midst of a no-hit bid against the Pittsburgh Pirates, leaving the crowd buzzing with anticipation. However, in a move that surprised many, Imanaga was pulled from the game in the seventh inning despite his dominance on the mound.

A dominant outing, but for how long?

Imanaga’s performance against the Pirates was nothing short of spectacular. The Cubs’ ace had baffled Pittsburgh’s lineup with 68 of his 100 pitches for strikes, striking out nine batters while walking only one. He was cruising through the game, with every pitch seemingly hitting its mark. For those watching, it appeared as though Imanaga might be on the verge of something historic, and the thought of a no-hitter was in the air.

However, the Cubs’ decision to remove Imanaga in the seventh inning came as a bitter pill for fans to swallow. The reason behind the move? Imanaga had reached the 100-pitch mark, and the Cubs’ coaching staff wasn’t willing to take any risks with such an early season performance. With the season still in its infancy and the Cubs already dealing with an injury to another key starter, Cade Horton, the team had to make the prudent decision to preserve Imanaga for the long haul.

Risking health for a no-hitter isn’t worth it

It’s never easy to take a pitcher out when they’re flirting with history, especially when they’re throwing a gem. But Cubs manager David Ross and the coaching staff made the right call. The Cubs couldn’t afford to risk losing another valuable arm to injury, especially with Imanaga’s current form showing promise as the top starter for the team. There was also the understanding that, given his pitch count, Imanaga was unlikely to finish the game anyway, no matter how much the fans or team may have wanted him to.

Unfortunately for the Cubs, the bullpen wasn’t able to maintain the no-hit bid. As soon as Imanaga exited, lefty Caleb Thielbar took the mound and allowed the first hit of the game to the Pirates. And if that wasn’t enough of a letdown, Thielbar immediately gave up a two-run home run to Brian Reynolds, who launched the ball 385 feet into the stands. The dream of a no-hitter evaporated in an instant.

The Cubs’ offensive struggles: Still no runs

Although the Cubs were on the brink of a potential no-hitter, there was a glaring issue: the Cubs’ offense was silent. Even with Imanaga’s brilliance on the mound, the Cubs had yet to score a run. The Pirates’ pitchers had managed to shut down Chicago’s hitters, and while the Cubs had some chances, they simply couldn’t capitalize. The lack of offense made the no-hit bid somewhat of a moot point, as the Cubs still didn’t have a lead.

Imanaga’s impressive performance amid early struggles

Despite the disappointing turn of events, Imanaga’s outing solidified his status as a key player for the Cubs moving forward. His performance lowered his ERA to an impressive 2.81 on the season after six innings of clean work. With Horton out for the year, the Cubs are counting on Imanaga to step up as their ace and lead the pitching staff. If he continues to perform at this level, he could become the cornerstone of a playoff-caliber rotation.

The Cubs are hopeful that other members of the rotation, including Justin Steele, can return to form as well. Steele, who has dealt with his own injury setbacks after undergoing Tommy John surgery, is a crucial part of the team’s long-term plans. If Steele can come back healthy and dominant, combined with Imanaga’s potential, the Cubs could have one of the most formidable rotations in the National League.

Looking ahead: The Cubs’ pitching future

Even though the loss of the no-hitter and the disappointment of a missed opportunity will linger for some, Cubs fans should remain optimistic. Imanaga’s outing served as a reminder of the high ceiling he brings to the table. He has proven before that he can lead a pitching staff and carry a team through tough stretches. The Cubs need him to be that ace as they continue to navigate the early stages of the season and look to make a deep playoff run.

In the end, while the no-hitter was lost and the Cubs’ offense failed to support Imanaga’s brilliance, the decision to pull him early was the right call for the long-term health of the pitcher. The Cubs are still in a good position, and with their rotation potentially strengthening as the season goes on, there’s plenty to look forward to in Chicago’s 2026 campaign.