Shōta Imanaga's dominant return leads the Cubs to a 3-0 win over the Cardinals. Now, they face the Astros in a June 2025 showdown between 48-33 teams.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when you thought the rollercoaster couldn't get any wilder, the Chicago Cubs pull you right back in. Fresh off a masterful return to the mound by ace Shōta Imanaga, the North Siders blanked the St. Louis Cardinals to salvage a series split and are now rolling into Houston with a full head of steam. Up next? A heavyweight bout with the Astros, a team sporting the exact same 48-33 record in what feels like a potential October preview.
Five scoreless innings on just one hit. Shōta Imanaga's return wasn't just good; it was a statement.
Thursday's 3-0 victory over the Cardinals was all about one man: Shōta Imanaga. Making his first start in nearly two months, the lefty looked like he hadn't missed a day, carving up the St. Louis lineup for five scoreless frames while allowing just a single hit. The offense provided just enough support, with Michael Busch continuing his hot streak by launching another home run. Ian Happ worked a crucial bases-loaded walk, and the ever-exciting Pete Crow-Armstrong manufactured a run by scoring on a double steal. Daniel Palencia slammed the door with a perfect ninth, striking out the side and sending the Cubs to Houston on a high note.
Now, the real test begins. The Astros are a perennial powerhouse, and facing them on the road at Minute Maid Park is a daunting task for any team. The identical records add a fascinating layer of drama to this three-game set. The Cubs will hand the ball to rookie Cade Horton for Friday's opener, a massive spot for the young right-hander. He'll face off against Houston's lefty Brandon Walter. How the Cubs' bats and revitalized pitching staff handle the Astros' potent lineup will tell us a lot about where this team truly stands among the league's elite.
Beyond the immediate on-field action, news from the farm system provides even more reason for optimism. Despite trading top prospect Cam Smith in the Kyle Tucker deal, the Cubs' system remains one of baseball's best, boasting seven Top 100 prospects. According to farm director Jason Kanzler, the depth at Double-A and Triple-A is particularly strong. This gives the front office incredible flexibility. Whether they use these prospects as trade chips to acquire another impact player before the deadline or call them up for a second-half push, the Cubs are well-stocked for both the present and the future.
All eyes are now on Houston. This weekend series is more than just three games in late June; it's a measuring stick. A strong performance against the Astros would validate the Cubs' status as legitimate contenders and build on the incredible momentum from Imanaga's return. Buckle up, Cubs fans, this is where the season really gets interesting.
