The Chicago Cubs have navigated Imanaga’s absence with grit and determination. But there’s no denying that getting their ace back could significantly shift their trajectory in the second half of the season
Craig Counsell’s latest update offers hope and a reminder: while injuries can derail progress, patience and proper management can lead to a stronger return.
Cubs fans have reason to be optimistic—and soon, they may see their ace back on the mound, ready to make a difference.
Baseball in Chicago is fun again. After years of frustration and rebuilding, Cubs fans are witnessing a team that’s not only winning but doing it with style and swagger.
With stars stepping up, youngsters emerging, and veterans guiding the ship, the Cubs look poised for a special season.
The rest of the league has been warned—this isn’t the slow-starting Cubs anymore. This is a team firing on all cylinders, and if they stay the course, they might just have another deep playoff run in their future.
Also Read: Meet Craig Counsell Dad John Counsell, Craig’s Personal Life, Career Journey, Kids, Wife And More
Table of Contents
Craig Counsell: Chicago Cubs Catch Fire
A Midseason Surge to the Top
After a sluggish start to the 2025 MLB season, the Chicago Cubs have launched themselves into contention with a stunning turnaround.1
As of now, the Cubs sit atop the NL Central division with a solid 33-21 record, boasting eight wins in their last ten games.
The buzz around Wrigley Field is growing louder by the day, and rightfully so—this team is rolling, and the rest of the league is beginning to take notice.
From Cold to Scorching: The Cubs’ Resurgence
The early weeks of the season painted a grim picture for Cubs fans. A mixture of inconsistent hitting, pitching struggles, and defensive lapses kept the team hovering near .500.
However, as the calendar flipped to May, something changed. The Cubs began clicking in all phases of the game, led by a reinvigorated offense and tighter execution from the pitching staff.
What once looked like a team battling to stay relevant now resembles a powerhouse determined to reclaim its postseason pedigree. The NL Central is always competitive, but right now, the Cubs are in control.
Offensive Powerhouse: Depth at Every Spot
If there’s one thing driving this team’s surge, it’s the dynamic offensive firepower they’ve developed.
The Cubs currently lead MLB in batting average, runs scored, and total hits, and they sit third in home runs. This isn’t just a team with a few big bats—it’s a lineup filled with impact players from top to bottom.
Veterans and young stars alike are doing damage, making opposing pitchers sweat from the first inning to the last.
In many ways, the Cubs’ offense has evolved into the type of threat that can win games in multiple ways—whether through power, small ball, or late-inning rallies.
Steady Star with Explosive Talent
Kyle Tucker has been the backbone of the Cubs’ offense. Acquired in a blockbuster trade before the season, Tucker has delivered on expectations and then some.
His power from the left side, combined with his patience at the plate, has made him one of the most feared hitters in the league.
With a batting average hovering around .320, Tucker is not only hitting for average but also supplying crucial home runs and extra-base hits. His ability to come through in the clutch has been pivotal in close games.
Craig Counsell’s Command: Leadership with a Clear Vision
Cubs manager Craig Counsell, brought in during the offseason after a long and successful stint with the Milwaukee Brewers, deserves considerable credit for this transformation.2
His steady hand and tactical savvy have helped keep the team focused through early adversity.
Speaking to the press on Monday, Counsell praised the collective effort of his offense but also offered a word of warning to opposing teams.
“We’re a dangerous offense right now,” Counsell said. “What you always want is length, which is a lot of players that are capable of changing the game and doing something to help on a daily basis. I think that’s what we have.”
His comment underlines the depth and versatility that has become a hallmark of this Cubs team. From top to bottom, everyone is contributing, and Counsell’s leadership is allowing them to thrive.
Tough Outs, Tough Innings: A Relentless Lineup
Another factor in the Cubs’ offensive explosion is how relentless they’ve become. Opposing teams have learned that there are no “easy outs” in this lineup.
Whether it’s the top of the order or the bottom third, every hitter is capable of producing a big moment.
“You can survive little two-week slumps and not really have them change anything,” Counsell added. “We’ve got a lot of guys producing at a really good level… We’re making it tough in a lot of innings for teams.”
This type of consistency makes the Cubs a nightmare matchup. Pitchers can’t relax or pitch around one player, and that constant pressure leads to mistakes—and those mistakes are being punished.
Veteran Presence and Roster Balance
It’s not just the stars stealing headlines. Role players and veterans are filling key spots with professionalism and poise.
Players like Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson, and Ian Happ provide balance, defense, and timely hitting that often goes under the radar.
This balanced roster means Counsell has the flexibility to mix and match based on matchups without losing production. That’s a rare luxury in today’s game.
The Bench and Bullpen: Supporting the Surge
While the offense grabs the spotlight, the Cubs’ bench depth and bullpen have quietly been excellent.
Players like Patrick Wisdom and Mike Tauchman are stepping up in limited roles, keeping the team fresh and competitive even in tight games.
The bullpen, led by Adbert Alzolay and Julian Merryweather, has helped preserve leads late. With the starters going deeper into games and the bullpen closing the door, the team has found a winning formula.
Craig Counsell: Playoff Hopes and Division Control
With the way the Cubs are playing, the postseason seems like a strong possibility.3
But in a division that includes dangerous teams like the Cardinals and Brewers, nothing can be taken for granted.
Still, if their offensive production continues at this level, and if the pitching staff holds up, there’s every reason to believe the Cubs can win the NL Central and be a serious postseason threat.
The next few weeks will be crucial. The Cubs face several key divisional matchups and a tough interleague slate.
Maintaining focus, health, and intensity will determine if this hot streak becomes a defining part of their 2025 campaign or just a memorable stretch.
The good news? The foundation is solid. The team believes in each other. And with a dangerous offense, strong leadership, and momentum on their side, the Cubs are looking every bit like a team ready to make noise come October.
Youth Rising to the Challenge
- Another key contributor is Pete Crow-Armstrong, the talented young outfielder who has made his presence felt in a big way.
- Long regarded as a top prospect, Crow-Armstrong is proving he belongs on the big stage.
- With blazing speed, a keen eye for the strike zone, and improving power, PCA has become a table-setter at the top of the lineup and a nightmare for pitchers on the basepaths.
- His defense in center field is also a huge asset, often robbing opposing hitters of extra bases and preserving leads.
- Seiya Suzuki has quietly emerged as an X-factor for the Cubs. Now fully adjusted to MLB pitching, the Japanese slugger is consistently producing quality at-bats.
- His discipline, bat-to-ball skills, and gap power provide balance to the lineup.
- Suzuki’s ability to drive in runs from the middle of the order has helped turn rallies into crooked numbers.
- His influence stretches beyond the stat sheet—his calm demeanor and professionalism have set the tone for a younger team growing in confidence.
Also Read: Craig Counsell’s Wife Michelle Counsell: Age, Wedding, and Family
Craig Counsell Drops Major Update on Injured Cubs Ace
Chicago Cubs fans finally received some encouraging news this week as manager Craig Counsell gave an optimistic update on the status of Shota Imanaga, the team’s standout pitcher who has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury.
The announcement comes at a crucial time for the Cubs, who are fighting to stay competitive in a tightly contested National League Central division.
When Shota Imanaga signed with the Cubs in January 2024, there was already considerable excitement surrounding his arrival.
Known for his precision, control, and competitive spirit, the Japanese left-hander entered the MLB with high expectations. He quickly lived up to the hype.
By the end of his rookie season, Imanaga compiled a superb 15-3 win-loss record, recorded a 2.91 ERA, and racked up 174 strikeouts across 29 starts. His dominance on the mound earned him league-wide respect and positioned him as a potential National League Rookie of the Year candidate.
A Sudden Setback in an Impressive Journey
- However, the promising start to his MLB career hit a bump in the road in early May 2025 when Imanaga suffered a hamstring injury.
- It was a non-contact injury sustained during a routine play, but it was serious enough to remove him from the rotation and land him on the injured list.
- For a team already struggling with consistency in their pitching depth, Imanaga’s absence was felt immediately.
- The Cubs’ bullpen was forced to shoulder more responsibility, and while they’ve done an admirable job, the void left by their ace was unmistakable.
- His cautious optimism regarding Imanaga’s return highlights that same level of awareness and responsibility.
- Counsell understands the temptation to bring back a key player quickly—but he’s also aware of the risks involved in doing so prematurely.
- Fans and players alike trust Counsell’s judgment, and his measured update gives everyone reason to believe the team is handling the situation with the appropriate care and foresight.
Craig Counsell’s Encouraging Progress Report
Cubs manager Craig Counsell has remained measured in his responses regarding Imanaga’s recovery, careful not to rush the left-hander back into action.
But on Saturday, he finally offered a concrete update that gave fans hope.
“[Progress is] good,” Counsell stated. “He had a heavy day of throwing. We’re targeting bullpens next week, so next Tuesday (May 27) would be the first bullpen, assuming this weekend goes well.”
This update represents a significant step forward in Imanaga’s rehab.
Transitioning to bullpen sessions typically marks a turning point in a pitcher’s recovery timeline, suggesting he may be inching closer to rejoining the rotation if everything proceeds smoothly.
Understanding the Recovery Timeline
Pitchers recovering from hamstring injuries often undergo a multi-phase rehab process. Initially, the focus is on rest and healing. That is followed by light throwing sessions, which gradually increase in intensity.
Once the player can handle high-stress throwing days without discomfort, they usually begin bullpen sessions and eventually live batting practice.
Assuming Imanaga’s bullpen session next Tuesday goes well, he may begin facing live hitters within 7–10 days.
A minor league rehab assignment could follow shortly after that, paving the way for a potential return to the big league roster in mid-to-late June.
The Cubs’ Offense Is Clicking—Now the Pitching Needs Reinforcements
Interestingly, while Imanaga has been on the sidelines, the Cubs’ offense has found its groove.
With hitters like Christopher Morel, Cody Bellinger, and Seiya Suzuki performing at a high level, Chicago has been able to remain competitive.
But if the Cubs are to make a serious postseason push, their pitching staff must match that offensive firepower.
Justin Steele and Jameson Taillon have taken on greater workloads, but neither can replicate Imanaga’s consistency and dominance.
His return would not only strengthen the rotation but also bring balance and stability to the overall pitching staff.
A Glimpse Into Imanaga’s Work Ethic
Reports from within the Cubs’ camp have praised Imanaga’s work ethic during his rehab. Trainers have been impressed by his attention to detail and focus on every aspect of his recovery.
According to sources close to the team, Imanaga has maintained a routine as rigorous as when he’s active during the season.
“He’s been in the gym early, following his recovery protocol to the letter,” said one Cubs trainer. “He’s motivated. He wants to come back, but he also wants to come back the right way.”
This disciplined approach isn’t surprising to those familiar with Imanaga’s background. Before joining the Cubs, he was known in Japan for his meticulous preparation and intense training habits.
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