WATCH: Craig Counsell on Shota Imanaga's injury against Brewers

Tony Crumpton - Senior Editor - Sunday, May 04 2025

Hear from Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell and starting pitcher Shota Imanaga after a 4-0 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field.

“He did it kind of on the run over to first base,” Counsell said. “We’ll probably do some imaging to see what’s going on. He’s never had any lower body muscle strains, so he’s a little unsure of what the feeling means. But he felt something for sure. So, we’ll get it checked out tomorrow and go from there.”

Imanaga talked for a few minutes to reporters about his injury.

“It’s the front of thigh, so it’s different from Pittsburgh,” Imanaga. “… It’s the first time it’s ever happened, so I can’t really tell how bad it is.”

He continued.

“This week, my body physically has felt really good,” Imanaga said. “Even before the game, I felt amazing. Hydration, everything included, felt great. So there was no sign for the back of my leg before the game or anything like that. So, I’m in shock.”

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Video summary/cliff notes:

(00:06) Craig Counsell discussed an injury concern involving a player who felt something in his lower body while running to first base. The team plans to get imaging and more information the following day to determine the severity.

(01:11) Counsell praised both starting pitchers, especially noting the effectiveness of the changeup and overall strong pitching performances despite the loss.

(01:45) He mentioned that pitcher Justin Steele felt something in his right hip but initially thought it went away. The team remains cautiously optimistic.

(02:14) Shota Imanaga (speaking in Japanese) said he felt something unusual while running, and since it's his first time experiencing this type of discomfort, he's unsure how serious it is. He will undergo checks tomorrow.

(03:00) Imanaga said he felt great leading up to the game — his preparation, hydration, and muscle condition were excellent, with no warning signs of injury.

(03:19) He expressed shock at the injury, saying there were no prior symptoms or tension in the hamstring area before it happened.

(03:45) The injury likely occurred when he sprinted to first base during a double play attempt, where he felt something in his leg.

(04:31) Imanaga compared the current issue to a previous one he had in Pittsburgh, noting this time the injury is in a different location (back of the thigh vs. front previously). He can still walk normally but is unsure of the seriousness due to it being a new type of injury for him.