Earlier today, I asked BCB readers who they thought should start Game 2 of the Division Series against the Brewers.
At the time of this post, 75 percent of readers said it should be Colin Rea. Only 16 percent voted
for Shōta Imanaga, six percent “opener, then Imanaga,” and about three percent “someone else.”
Seventy-five percent of readers are going to be disappointed Monday:
Imanaga made three starts against the Brewers this year.
May 4 in Milwaukee, he left with a hamstring injury one out short of a quality start. No runs scored while Imanaga was in the game; the two runs charged to him were allowed to score by Julian Merryweather, who’s no longer around. The Cubs lost the game 4-0.
July 30 in Milwaukee, he threw five innings and allowed two runs, both on solo homers by William Contreras. The Cubs won the game 10-3.
Aug. 21 at Wrigley Field, he held the Brewers to two runs in seven innings. Both runs scored on a home run by Brice Turang.
Overall against Milwaukee this year, Imanaga had a 3.57 ERA and 0.849 WHIP, with three walks and 17 strikeouts in 17.2 innings.
This is not the choice I would have made. I agree with the 75 percent of BCB readers who would have chosen Colin Rea to start Game 2. Imanaga, given his decent record vs. the Brewers in 2025, is a defensible choice. I imagine Rea will be available to throw long relief in Game 2.
Let’s hope Craig Counsell has made the right decision here.
