The Chicago Cubs are having a strong start to the 2024 season, and it is partially thanks to the efforts of first-year Major League pitcher Shota Imanaga. Imanaga has had a historical start to his Cubs tenure, but he is making news off the diamond as well. Imanaga joined the Pat McAfee Show to reveal how he would throw a pitch to McAfee if the host was at bat.
Pat McAfee stood in his studio posing as if he were waiting for Imanaga to throw at him. He then asked Imanaga’s interpreter to ask the star pitcher how he would throw the ball to a confident McAfee, and Imanaga’s response did not disappoint.
Imanaga claimed that he would throw McAfee a fastball near the face, per his interpreter via the Pat McAfee Show:
McAfee erupted in laughter after hearing Imanaga’s response.
“I’m coming out! I’m charging [the mound]!”, McAfee exclaimed.
Fans on X were quick to poke fun at the interaction:
“Just don’t lean in too far and you’ll be fine,” one X user said.
“A little Sweet Chin Music with the baseball,” another user said alongside two laughing emojis.
Imanaga may have wanted to show McAfee up, but he was not completely coldhearted. The star pitcher clarified that his pitch would be a ball rather than a brutal hit-by-pitch. One thing is for sure: if Pat McAfee ever takes the mound against Shota Imanaga, he better be ready for the heat.
The first-year Cubs pitcher had been stellar amid Chicago’s strong season opening and looks to continue his success amid the team’s quest to climb the National League.
Shota Imanaga looks to lead the Cubs to great success
Imanaga has an incredible start to his MLB debut with the Cubs. The 30-year-old holds a league-leading ERA of 0.84, has a W-L of 5-0, and has thrown 58 strikeouts to go with 0.91 WHIP in nine games. Imanaga has made all sorts of history in his early showing with Chicago.
After a hard-fought battle against the Atlanta Braves on May 14th, Imanaga had held a 0.96 ERA, which was the fourth lowest through a pitcher’s first four career starts (excluding openers) since at least 1913, when ERA became an official stat, according to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com. Only Fernando Valenzuela (0.50 in 1981), Dave Ferriss (0.75 in 1945), and Cisco Carlos (0.95 in 1967-68) had lower marks through their first eight starts.
At that point in the season, Imanaga’s ERA was the lowest in Cubs franchise history since 1912. His stellar pitching will likely continue to see him break more records with Chicago. The former Nippon Professional Baseball League star looks to be a breakthrough piece for the Cubs.
Chicago holds a 27-24 record, which places them second in the NL Central standings. The Cubs are on a mission to make the MLB playoffs after missing the 2023 postseason. Shota Imanaga’s defensive presence along with Chicago’s stout offensive contributors should see the team go far in 2024.
Perhaps Pat McAfee needs to stand at bat when the Cubs face opposing teams. That might give Imanaga the fire he needs to continue his impressive performance.
