Imanaga Returns to Cubs’ Rotation, Fulmer Designated
The Chicago Cubs activated left-handed pitcher Shota Imanaga from the 15-day injured list to start Thursday’s final game of the series against St. Louis.
To make room on the roster, Chicago designated right-handed pitcher Michael Fulmer for assignment.
Imanaga, 31, (3-2, 2.82 ERA) had been out of action since the beginning of May due to a strain in his left hamstring.
In his latest rehab outing, Imanaga threw 72 pitches in 4 1/3 innings, allowing no runs for Triple-A Iowa on Friday.
Imanaga has made eight starts this season, allowing two or fewer runs in six of them. He made three rehab starts, two with the Arizona Complex League, and pitched 10 1/3 innings without allowing a run, allowing six hits and two walks. He struck out 16 batters.
The Cubs have had a 25-16 record since Imanaga went on the injured list.
Fulmer, 32 years old, made two scoreless appearances for the Cubs this week during their four-game series against the Cardinals.
Fulmer had an ERA of 4.42 in 58 appearances for the Cubs in 2023, but the right-hander needed Tommy John surgery and missed last year. He also underwent the Tommy John procedure in 2019.
Fulmer appeared in one game this season for the Boston Red Sox, allowing three runs and four hits in 2 2/3 innings on April 14. He was then released and signed a minor league contract with the Cubs.
