ST. LOUIS — The Chicago Cubs’ pitching staff’s home run problem has become glaring. In Friday’s 6-5 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, Shota Imanaga gave up three long balls — that’s eight in his last three outings — including a three-run shot in the first inning after he was staked to a 3-0 lead.“We’re not going to stop Shota giving up home runs; he’s gonna give up some home runs,” manager Craig Counsell said. “The first inning, that’s part that I think he definitely can control. And that’s the part that can’t happen.”Imanaga gives up home runs. His 13 allowed are tied for the fourth most in baseball. But when he allows men on base before them, things really fall apart for him and the team. Earlier in the week, Counsell had lamented the issue. “Three-run homers? Those change games,” he said. That remains a concern.In the first inning Friday, Imanaga hit a batter and doled out a five-pitch walk. Then he served up a center-cut fastball that Nelson Velázquez sent 405 feet into the Cubs bullpen.
Yo, Nelly! 💣 pic.twitter.com/yETTT8i9jr
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) May 29, 2026“The offense put up three runs, and giving up three runs right there, that’s tough for the atmosphere of the team,” Imanaga said through an interpreter.
