The Tokyo Series opener between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs saw Shota Imanaga’s near-perfect outing cut short, sparking a debate among fanatics and analysts. The Japanese left-hander, dazzled on the mound, was throwing 4 perfect innings with no hits, no runs, and 2 strikeouts, but was pulled after just 70 pitches when, in a surprising move, Cubs manager Craig Counsell decided to take him out.
Craig defended his decision, emphasizing that the move was part of a pre-established part. “Getting to 70 pitches was the number we had for Shōta, after he finished that inning it was the right time to take him out,” he explained. While the early pull sparked reactions from the baseball world, Counsell was firm on his belief: the long-term health and strategy of his pitcher came first. However, this move has ignited fiery discussions—was Counsell right to stick to his plan, or did he deprive Imanaga of a historic feat?
Craig Counsell on pulling Shōta Imanaga:
“Getting to 70 pitches was the number we had for Shōta, after he finished that inning it was the right time to take him out.” pic.twitter.com/XpO0XjHwnU
— Cubs Zone (@CubsZone) March 18, 2025
Now, while the decision may have cost the Cubs a piece of history, it highlights the delicate balance between short-term victories and long-term vision. As the Tokyo Series progresses, the question that has taken birth is: Will this decision prove to be a masterstroke or a missed opportunity?
This is a developing story…
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