Chicago Cubs Lineup (9/10/24): Same Batting Order, Imanaga Facing Yamamoto
Tonight features a pitching matchup NPB fans have gotten used to over the years, with Shōta Imanaga facing off against Yoshinobu Yamamoto. According to MLB, this is the first time “two Japanese-born rookie sensations go head-to-head for the first time as Major Leaguers.” No word on how many times a two run-of-the-mill Japanese-born rookies have squared off. We’ll see how their respective MLB careers play out, but the Cubs have gotten the better deal by far this season.
Though the Dodgers’ would-be ace has pitched well when he’s been healthy, he’s been limited to just 74 innings over 14 starts. This will be the righty’s first start since June 15 due to a triceps issue, so manager Dave Roberts may have a short leash for him.
He’s shown the ability to miss bats and he keeps the ball in the yard with a mid-90s fastball and a variety of secondaries. His splitter and curve see the most usage behind the heater, with the hook coming in at 78 mph to provide a serious change of pace. He also lands it for strikes with high frequency.
The cutter and slider are also very effective because they play well off of one another and the curve. Yamamoto’s cutter is thrown around 91 and gets good horizontal movement, while the slider has more gyro vertical action at 87 mph. The curve has 12-6 action and is slower, then he can locate more and more to the glove side at higher velos.
He’s also got a splitter he throws about a quarter of the time and he’ll mix in the occasional sinker, though neither has emerged as a big weapon. That repertoire shut the Cubs down back in early April as Yamamoto went five scoreless innings with eight strikeouts and three hits allowed. The bats are better on the road, so I guess we’ll see if Monday’s hot hitting carries over.
Craig Counsell is running back the same lineup from yesterday, so I’ll dispense with any further breakdown. First pitch is once again at 9:10pm CT on Marquee, TBS, and 670 The Score.
Game ✌️ in LA!
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— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 10, 2024