If not for their rookie star in the starting rotation, the Chicago Cubs could be out of the playoff race completely. And putting the team on your back never goes without recognition.
Star Japanese lefty Shōta Imanaga has carried the Cubs throughout the season, posting a 7-1 record for a 36-39 team. His 1.89 ERA is the third-best in all of baseball. But where does he rank among the top five pitchers in the game?
In MLB.com's latest starting pitcher power rankings, released Thursday, a panel of the site's experts ranked Imanaga fifth among MLB's best starting pitchers. Ranger Suárez, Tarik Skubal, Luis Gil, and Corbin Burnes slotted ahead of Imanaga, respectively.
After ending May with his worst start as a big-leaguer against the Milwaukee Brewers, Imanaga has once again been sensational in June. The Cubs have won all three of Imanaga's starts this month, with the lefty posting a 2.00 ERA and 19 strikeouts in 18 innings.
After inking a four-year, $53 million contract in January, Imanaga has looked like the steal of the off-season. His ERA as a big-leaguer has never risen above two after any of his 13 career starts and it took him until May 29 to lose an MLB decision.
Certainly, there is a long way to go for Imanaga to earn votes toward his first Cy Young award, not to mention to guide the Cubs to his first career playoff appearance. But it's always good to earn some national recognition and for the 30-year-old rookie, this season has been all about seizing the moment.
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