Cubs Lose Season Opener 4-1 to Dodgers, Fans Outraged by Imanaga Decision

In their season opener, the Chicago Cubs lost 4-1 to the Los Angeles Dodgers, leading to fan frustration over Manager Craig Counsell's decision to pull ace Shota Imanaga after four scoreless innings despite no hits allowed. Imanaga's early exit, following a pre-planned pitch count limit of 70, was part of a strategy to preserve his health for the long season, especially with the unique scheduling of the Tokyo Series. Fans questioned the rationale behind the move, particularly after Imanaga's dominant performance, although Counsell defended the choice as necessary for managing player workload early in the season. The Cubs' lack of offensive support and defensive errors further complicated the loss, with Ben Brown struggling in relief after Imanaga's departure. While Counsell's cautious approach aligns with long-term goals for player health, it has already sparked criticism among fans looking for immediate results. The Cubs are expected to continue evaluating their strategies as the season progresses, balancing performance and player welfare.