Imanaga, 31, strained his left hamstring when he went to cover first base in the sixth inning of Sunday's 4-0 loss at Milwaukee.

“Flexen is likely the safe bet to fill in short-term for Imanaga if needed, but the more intriguing option, of course, is Cade Horton. Horton has bounced back from a rough 2024 and looks remarkably similar to the pitcher who dominated in 2023 and ended that season as arguably the top pitching prospect in the game,” Sharma wrote.

Given the way Shota Imanaga walked off the field in Milwaukee on Sunday, Cubs manager Craig Counsell felt a trip to the injured list was the likely outcome for the left-handed starter. That step officially arrived for Imanaga prior to Monday’s game against the Giants.

Preview the May 5 matchup between the Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants with odds over/under, game spread, betting lines and more.

The Giants are coming off a 3-1 series win over the Colorado Rockies in San Francisco, wrapping up the set with a 9-3 victory as -371 favorites Sunday with the Over (7.5) cashing. SS Willy Adames (3-for-5,