Not everything about baseball is about the strategies and numbers on the field. It’s also important to get along with people from diverse cultures and have fun with them. And during a media session after the game, one of the Chicago Cubs’ pitchers did just that, which made everyone laugh.
In a close game, the Cubs upset the Guardians 5–4, snapping Cleveland’s six-game losing streak. The starter pitched for 5 1/3 innings, giving up three earned runs on four hits, striking out four hitters, and without walking any. And when he was talking to a room full of reporters, something strange happened.
The player in the talk is Shota Imanaga. He came back from the IL on June 26 after being out since May 4 with a left hamstring injury. And against the Guardians, it was his second start. He gave an excellent performance and wore a casual t-shirt after the post-game interview. A question arose about the design on his shirt rather than his pitching. Later, he was asked if he knew about the print. He replied with honesty, “I think it’s a band … Unfortunately, I’m sorry, but I can’t name one single song.” And laughter rippled across the room. Well, it was a print of the U2 band.
Shota Imanaga on wearing a U2 shirt to his postgame press conference:
“I think it’s a band … Unfortunately, I’m sorry, but I can’t name one single song.” pic.twitter.com/c7tTI1y2SS
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) July 3, 2025
U2, the rock band from Dublin that started in 1976. It became famous all over the world with its anthemic sound, passionate lyrics, and classic songs like “With or Without You” and “Pride (In the Name of Love).” They sold over 175 million albums and won 22 Grammys. Their music is great—exactly like Shota Imanaga’s great pitching.
His performance against the Guardians was good, and those numbers say it out loud. But in the first game after his injury, on June 26, against the Cardinals, he pitched brilliantly. He struck out three batters and walked only one, dropping his ERA to 2.54. The Cubs gave him a four-year, $53 million contract (with an option for a fifth year) because of his excellent 2024 season. This agreement is paying off, as he has runway-level control and is consistently dominating on the mound.
And even his teammates agree on it. The Chicago Cubs reliever Daniel Palencia waited for his return, “We’ve been needing him since he left. It feels great to see that guy pitching again.” Imanaga’s performance is saying why the Cubs need him.
The Cubs were already looking strong, and now with Imanaga’s return, they will do wonders like they have done in June so far.
Chicago Cubs’ Post-20‑June turnaround: Imanaga’s return sparks pitching staff
The Cubs had their fair share of struggles in June. In the series against the Mariners from June 20-22, they lost the first game 9–4 to the Mariners at Wrigley Field. In Game 2, they fought hard and won 10–7, but in Game 3, they lost 14–6 because their bullpen was having problems and their pitching wasn’t consistent. And it continued..
Apr 13, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga (18) bumps fists with teammates in the dugout following the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
The Cardinals won Game 1, 8–2 and Game 2, 8–7, but the Cubs fought back quite nicely. And then on June 25, they beat St. Louis 8–0. Thanks to Ian Happ’s leadoff home run and Matthew Boyd’s six scoreless innings. Imanaga’s comeback on June 26 led to a 3–0 shutout, with five one-hit innings backed up by a strong bullpen.
The series in Houston from June 27 to 29 was a test. The Cubs lost Game 1, 2–0, to the AL West leaders. The rest of the series saw some tough plays, but Houston’s pitching was too much for Chicago’s offense and rotation depth to handle.
The Cubs got their heads back in the game. They won a close game on July 1 by a score of 5–2 and then won again on July 2 by a score of 5–4. Credits? To a stronger rotation—especially after Imanaga came back—and a bullpen that worked well together. With that win, the Chicago Cubs are now leading 51-35.
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