Imanaga, 31, strained his left hamstring when he went to cover first base in the sixth inning of Sunday's 4-0 loss at Milwaukee.

Given the way Shota Imanaga walked off the field in Milwaukee on Sunday, Cubs manager Craig Counsell felt a trip to the injured list was the likely outcome for the left-handed starter. That step officially arrived for Imanaga prior to Monday’s game against the Giants.

“Flexen is likely the safe bet to fill in short-term for Imanaga if needed, but the more intriguing option, of course, is Cade Horton. Horton has bounced back from a rough 2024 and looks remarkably similar to the pitcher who dominated in 2023 and ended that season as arguably the top pitching prospect in the game,” Sharma wrote.