The post Cubs’ Shota Imanaga takes big step towards injury return for Chicago appeared first on ClutchPoints.

This Miami Marlins ace was seen as the best fit for the Chicago Cubs' starting rotation, but he may not be available at the trade deadline.

This affiliate content is not influenced by our advertising relationships, but AP and Data Skrive might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content.

White Sox manager Will Venable returns to face his previous team on Friday, while the Cubs have a 10-day homestand that kicks off Thursday.

The Chicago Cubs have had a great start to the year and are squarely in the World Series contender conversation. With their window currently shortened by the fa

Pirates first. Oneil Cruz called out on strikes. Andrew McCutchen homers to center field. Bryan Reynolds grounds out to shallow infield, Matthew Boyd to Michael Busch. Nick Gonzales grounds out

"Words like 'consistent' and 'reliable' sometimes don't feel like they do Jameson enough justice," Cubs manager Craig Counsell said.

The Chicago Cubs held Paul Skenes to an outing tied for his shortest of the season, which was also set by the Cubs.

DP_Pittsburgh 0, Chicago 1. LOB_Pittsburgh 4, Chicago 4. HR_McCutchen (7), Swanson (13). SB_Hoerner (14), Crow-Armstrong (23). SF_Happ (3). WP_Burrows. Umpires_Home, Clint Vondrak; First, Phil Cuzzi; Second, Tony Randazzo; Third, Dan Bellino. T_2:10. A_39,554 (41,363).