Outlook Shota Imanaga
Shota Imanaga anchors a depleted Cubs rotation as a high-WHIP-stabilizing force
Imanaga has been steady lately, posting a 4.82 ERA over his last two outings despite a slightly elevated 1.25 WHIP across 11.2 innings. He serves as the staff anchor for a second-place Cubs squad that currently holds a 49-38 record and is riding a five-game win streak. His presence is vital given the extensive list of team injuries to fellow starters like Justin Steele and Jameson Taillon, leaving Imanaga as the clear leader in the rotation.
While his current 4.47 season ERA sits higher than his elite 2.95 mark from 2024, our data suggests he is due for positive regression toward a 3.73 ERA. His underlying 1.10 WHIP remains a significant asset, and his strikeout-to-walk ratio has remained consistent with his career averages. Despite the recent uptick in earned runs over the last 30 days, his ability to avoid free passes makes this stretch look like a temporary blip rather than a long-term decline.
Having already earned a win on Monday against San Diego with 6.1 strong innings, Imanaga is scheduled for a second start this week on Saturday at home against the Cardinals. He faces Kyle Leahy, who enters with a 4.09 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP, presenting a favorable opportunity for another win and a quality start. Given his stability and the Cubs' recent hot streak, he is a mandatory play in all formats. Start.
Updated 23 hrs ago
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Outlook Zebby Matthews
Zebby Matthews is stabilizing the Twins rotation with a dominant recent stretch
Matthews has been a revelation over his last 14 days, posting a sharp 2.08 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP across two starts. He was particularly impressive in his most recent outing on June 29, hurling seven innings of one-run ball with seven strikeouts against Houston. His presence in the rotation is critical for a third-place Twins club that currently sits at 42-46 and has seen its pitching depth tested by significant injuries to key starters like Pablo Lopez and Bailey Ober.
While our models projected a 4.65 ERA for Matthews this season, he is currently outperforming those expectations with a 4.17 ERA and a much-improved 1.14 WHIP. The wildness that was a concern earlier in his career—evidenced by historical walk rates—has been absent lately, as he issued only one free pass over his last seven innings. While a high career home run rate remains a risk factor, his current command suggests he can maintain his role as a reliable back-end starter.
Matthews is in the midst of a two-start week, having already secured a victory in his first appearance. He faces a steeper challenge on July 4 when he travels to face a second-place Yankees squad. He will match up against Carlos Rodon, who carries a strong 3.30 ERA and 1.25 WHIP. Despite the difficult environment in the Bronx, Matthews' recent form and elite strikeout-to-walk ratio over the last week make him a viable option. Two-Start Stream.
Updated 23 hrs ago
