MESA, Ariz. — Left-hander Shota Imanaga demonstrated a noticeable increase in pitch velocity during his first Cactus League start for the Chicago Cubs, signaling potential improvement ahead of the regular season. On Tuesday at Sloan Park, Imanaga threw two scoreless innings against the San Diego Padres, combining command and a fastball-splitter mix that generated an uptick in speed on all his pitches.
During the outing, Imanaga recorded a 2.2 mph increase on his four-seam fastball and a 1.4 mph rise on his splitter compared to last season, when his velocity had declined from his rookie campaign. His sweepers and curveball showed even larger jumps in speed. Despite this, Imanaga emphasized that velocity alone is not the defining factor in his success on the mound.
Imanaga Reflects on Performance and Future Expectations
Speaking through interpreter Edwin Stanberry, Imanaga said,
“I want to preface by saying, for me, velo isn’t everything, but obviously having velocity is an advantage,”
and added,
“So I feel like today out there, felt like the velo was up. Overall, my takeaway was that was a good start.”
He has decided not to participate in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, choosing instead to focus on fine-tuning his skills during the Cubs’ spring exhibition schedule.
Imanaga expressed his hopes for greater consistency this season, acknowledging some struggles last year which he attributes to skill gaps rather than lingering physical pain. He noted,
“The best players day to day, they’re going to feel different, but they’re going to perform to their best and how they’re feeling,”
and shared his offseason reflections aimed at performing at his personal best.
Cubs Prospect Jonathon Long Recovers From Elbow Sprain
Meanwhile, Cubs prospect Jonathon Long appears to be on track to recover from a left elbow sprain sustained after a collision at first base during a game last Saturday. The injury occurred when a throw from Jefferson Rojas forced Long into the path of the Texas Rangers’ Mark Canha, resulting in an awkward bend of Long’s elbow. Although diagnosed with a sprain, Long’s soreness has been decreasing steadily.
Long was originally scheduled to travel to Tokyo to join Chinese Taipei in the World Baseball Classic this week, but his departure has been delayed to Friday to ensure he is close to full health. He has already resumed hitting practice and is progressing positively.
“He doesn’t really want to get on a plane and have some questions about his availability,”
Cubs manager Counsell said Tuesday, adding, “He’s trending well.”
Michael Conforto Begins Cubs Camp Amid Outfield Competition
Outfielder Michael Conforto took part in his first workout with the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday, joining the team as a non-roster invitee to spring training. His contract, pending official finalization, positions him within a competitive group of outfield candidates that includes fellow non-roster invitees Dylan Carlson and Chas McCormick, alongside 40-man roster players Justin Dean and Kevin Alcántara.
Cubs manager Counsell anticipates Conforto will appear in a Cactus League game over the weekend. Speaking about Conforto’s readiness, Counsell remarked, “He’s in a good place,” and added,
“You learn from all your experiences, it puts you in a good place. You have uncertainty when you come to camp on a non-roster deal, and I think he’s in a position to use that uncertainty in a really good way that makes sense.”
Early Spring Movements Highlight Cubs’ Drive for Improvement
The early developments in Mesa reflect the Cubs’ focus on rebuilding and refining their roster ahead of the 2026 season. Imanaga’s enhanced velocity and concerted efforts toward consistency align with the team’s hopes for his bounce-back year, while Long’s recovery and Conforto’s integration add depth and versatility to the squad.
With exhibition games providing a platform for continued evaluation, the Cubs are positioning themselves to capitalize on improved performances from pitching and outfield personnel alike. The coming weeks will reveal whether these promising signs translate into sustained success on the field as the regular season approaches.
