‘Constantly learning’ Imanaga off to impressive start with the Chicago Cubs
Associated PressCHICAGO — The road for Shota Imanaga from Japan to the major leagues included at least one sharp observation that has served him well in his transition to life with the Chicago Cubs. “Watching foreign players in Japan and how they try to figure out how to get support from the fans, essentially I’m just doing the opposite of that, coming over here,” Imanaga said through a translator. Imanaga’s ERA is the lowest for a major leaguer for his first nine career starts — excluding openers — since baseball started tracking earned runs in 1913. I think he is looking for the experience of what can I enjoy from a new country, and I think you take that perspective and it makes the experience a really good one.” Imanaga went 7-4 with a 2.80 ERA in 22 starts in his final season with the Yokohama BayStars of Japan’s Central League, finishing with 174 strikeouts and 24 walks in 148 innings. “Compared to Japan, I mean they do hand out data, but here, they’ll give us data and they’ll have a plan going along with it,” Imanaga said.
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Cubs LHP Shota Imanaga working on a strong finish to his impressive rookie season
Associated PressImanaga strikes out 11 and Swanson homers with 4 RBIs to lead Cubs over A’s 9-2
Associated PressShota Imanaga stars in major league debut as Cubs beat Rockies 5-0 in Wrigley Field opener
Associated PressShōta Imanaga is looking forward to transition to the major leagues with the Chicago Cubs
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