Shota Imanaga found himself at the center of a hotly debated decision during his impressive bid for a no-hitter on Wednesday night.
The Chicago Cubs’ left-hander was in complete control at Wrigley Field, shutting down the Pittsburgh Pirates with seven no-hit innings. He issued only two walks while striking out seven, showcasing both command and power. His fastball remained consistently in the low 90s throughout the game, and he appeared more than capable of continuing his dominance deep into the late innings.
However, in a move that left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads, Cubs manager Craig Counsell decided to pull Imanaga after just 95 pitches. The decision came despite Imanaga’s apparent comfort on the mound and a commanding 11-0 lead. With only three innings to go, it seemed Imanaga had plenty left to finish what he started.
Instead, the Cubs turned to their bullpen, handing the ball to reliever Nate Pearson, who kept the no-hitter intact with a flawless eighth inning. Porter Hodge then sealed the deal with a perfect ninth, giving Chicago a combined no-hitter, the second in franchise history and the 18th overall.
While the combined no-hitter was a historic achievement, the focus quickly shifted to the controversial decision to remove Imanaga. Fans questioned why the Cubs, sitting comfortably with a large lead, didn’t allow their starter the opportunity to make history. Imanaga had been a model of durability all season, surpassing the 95-pitch mark in several outings and even crossing the 100-pitch threshold in three games. Given his solid form and the relative ease of his performance, many believed he had earned the chance to finish the no-hitter on his own.
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Some speculated that the Cubs, in the midst of a mediocre season, might be trying to protect their $53 million investment in Imanaga, who has already logged over 150 innings this year. However, the decision didn’t sit well with the Wrigley faithful, who were eager to witness a rare individual no-hitter. In a year filled with similar controversies, where teams have opted for caution over history, Imanaga’s removal became the latest flashpoint in the ongoing debate about how teams manage their pitchers.
While the Cubs celebrated a combined no-hitter, the decision left a lingering question: could this have been Imanaga’s moment of individual glory, taken away too soon?
For many baseball fans, it was another case of the modern game’s growing tendency to prioritize long-term health over the thrill of in-game milestones.
