Cubs Ace Imanaga Nears MLB Return Amid Pitching Struggles

The Chicago Cubs are currently experiencing a challenging stretch marked by pitching struggles, having lost four of their last five games, which has reduced their lead in the NL Central Division to just 3.5 games. Key issues include both the starting rotation, highlighted by Ben Brown's poor recent performance, and a bullpen with a troubling 8.41 ERA over the previous five games. However, the team anticipates improvement with the imminent return of lefty ace Shota Imanaga, who has completed a strong rehab and is expected to start in their series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Additional pitching reinforcements such as Porter Hodge are close to rejoining the bullpen, while catcher Miguel Amaya is projected to return around the All-Star break. Despite these setbacks, the Cubs maintain a solid 46-31 record and first place in their division, relying on Imanaga's return to stabilize their pitching staff and bolster their postseason aspirations. Meanwhile, the Chicago White Sox are managing their own injury concerns, with outfielder Mike Tauchman nearing a return after dealing with groin and hamstring issues.