Shota Imanaga DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The Chicago Cubs placed left-hander Shota Imanaga (hamstring) on the 15-day injured list on Monday with a left-hamstring strain, according to 670 The Score's Bruce Levine. Imanaga lands on the shelf after injuring his hamstring during his start on Sunday against the Milwaukee Brewers when he sprinted to cover first base on a ground ball in the infield. Because we don't exactly know how bad the 31-year-old southpaw's hamstring strain is, we don't have a clear idea of how much time he'll need to miss. Fantasy managers will obviously be hoping it's a minimal IL stay, and Imanaga will be first eligible to return on May 20. The Cubs have multiple options to fill Imanaga's starting-rotation spot in the meantime, with the most intriguing option being right-handed prospect Cade Horton. Veteran Chris Flexen and left-hander Jordan Wicks are other options.

Updating a previous report, Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga (hamstring) made an early exit from Sunday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers. The southpaw suffered a leg injury while covering first base in the sixth inning. He exited the contest and has been diagnosed with a left hamstring strain. He finished the day tossing 5 2/3 innings, allowing two earned runs on four hits while striking out four batters. The expectation is that Imanaga will undergo further testing to determine the severity of the issue. Fantasy managers should prepare for Imanaga to miss time, but will need to check back for a timetable on the southpaw. Chris Flexen or Cade Horton figure to be the primary options to replace Imanaga if he misses time.

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga (leg) was removed early during Sunday's start against the Milwaukee Brewers with an apparent leg injury. The southpaw was seen limping after covering first base during the sixth inning. Imanga exited the game afterwards and will likely undergo further testing to determine the severity of the injury. For now, fantasy managers should consider Imanaga as day-to-day until the Cubs give another update on his status. He tossed 5 2/3 innings, allowing two earned runs on four hits while striking out four batters on Sunday. His next start would come against the New York Mets next weekend, assuming he doesn't miss any time.