The Chicago Cubs faced a tough opening game in their series as they not only lost the match but also saw Michael Soroka, their recent addition to the pitching rotation, head to the injured list due to right shoulder discomfort. Soroka, who had previously undergone precautionary imaging that showed no issues, noted post-game that he felt a tug in his shoulder while trying to add velocity to his fastball.
This setback is particularly daunting as Soroka’s fastball velocity had been declining recently, which raised concerns and prompted the Nationals to conduct an MRI before his last outing. The Cubs’ lack of activity during the trade deadline is further frustrating for fans and management alike, especially as Soroka was viewed more as rotation depth than a standout contributor. While the decision not to pursue a leading pitcher may be understandable due to the high costs associated, it undoubtedly increases pressure on the current starting lineup.
Relief may be on the horizon, however, with both Jameson Taillon and Javier Assad expected to return from the injured list soon. Taillon’s recent rehab start in Triple-A didn’t yield impressive results, but such outings are typically focused on ramping up endurance rather than immediate performance. Additionally, catcher Miguel Amaya is anticipated to make his return by next weekend, which would bolster the team further.
In the interim, Shōta Imanaga is tasked with delivering top-notch performances to assist an offense that has struggled recently. Despite a setback in his previous appearance, Imanaga has shown potential and will need to keep performances up to allow the offense a chance to breathe.
The Cubs lineup includes Michael Busch at first, Ian Happ in left, and Kyle Tucker as designated hitter, with Pete Crow-Armstrong batting cleanup. Meanwhile, the Cubs will be facing Zack Littell, a right-handed pitcher making his first start for the Reds after joining from the Rays. Littell has shown he can be effective despite low strikeout numbers, with an impressive ability to avoid walks. His repertoire includes a well-regarded slider and splitter, and he has recently improved in limiting home runs after a tougher start to the season.
The Cubs offense has noticeably slowed down, particularly in terms of stealing bases—an area where they excelled before the All-Star break. Their need to find ways to generate runs has become increasingly urgent, especially with recent struggles in scoring.
Tonight’s matchup at 7:05 PM CT could mark a turning point for the Cubs as they seek to regain their momentum. Fans will be keen to see if this game can serve as a catalyst for improved performance at the plate. Positive shifts in gameplay could lead to a more fruitful second half of the season for the team.