The Chicago Cubs face a significant setback as starting pitcher Justin Steele will miss the entire 2025 season due to reconstructive elbow surgery. Steele has been a reliable presence in the rotation, posting a 3.10 ERA since becoming a full-time starter in 2022. With the loss of their All-Star pitcher so early in the season, the Cubs are contemplating potential internal replacements, including ace Shota Imanaga and veterans Jameson Taillon and Matthew Boyd.

Javier Assad, who impressed last season but is currently on a rehab assignment, could be a crucial returnee to stabilize the rotation. Jordan Wicks, the Cubs' first-round pick from 2021, may also get another chance, despite previous injuries. Cade Horton, their 2023 first-round pick, is performing well at Triple-A and could be called up if needed. For a team aiming for postseason success, filling Steele's void is crucial as they explore both internal options and potential trades.

Left-hander Shota Imanaga had a challenging outing against the Texas Rangers, giving up five runs and striking out only two before being pulled after five innings. Despite his tendency to allow homers, Imanaga has been effective with runners not in scoring position. The Chicago Cubs struggled offensively, tallying just four hits, but managed to tie the game briefly with a two-out RBI single from Michael Busch. Manager Craig Counsell emphasized the importance of timely hitting, as the Cubs lead MLB in two-out RBIs. Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, and Kyle Tucker have been instrumental in their success this season, while Jon Berti has shown his value even with limited playing time by contributing crucial runs.

The Cubs’ pitching coach, Tommy Hottovy, highlighted the necessity of minimizing walks for bullpen success, a strategy that paid off as the bullpen issued no walks during the series against the Rangers. This performance signals positive momentum as the Cubs prepare for their upcoming West Coast road trip.

On April 9, 2025, the Texas Rangers (8-4) face off against the Chicago Cubs (9-5) in the final game of their series. Chicago has won the first two games, including a dramatic 10-6 victory where Dansby Swanson's two-run single in the eighth inning secured the win. The matchup on the mound features Tyler Mahle (1-0, 1.35 ERA) for the Rangers against Shota Imanaga (2-0, 0.98 ERA) for the Cubs.

The betting odds favor the Cubs with a moneyline of -150 while the Rangers stand at +126. The spread favors the Cubs at -1.5, and the total is set at 8.0 runs. Recent trends show the Cubs winning 7 of their last 8 games and 8 of their last 9 games have gone over the total. Our experts recommend a bet on the Cubs for the moneyline, the Rangers at +1.5 on the spread, and the over on the game total of 8.0 runs.

April 9, 2025, presents a fresh slate of MLB action, with several intriguing strikeout prop bets for astute bettors. Tylor Megill of the New York Mets stands out with an over/under of 6.5 strikeouts against the Miami Marlins. Megill boasts a robust strikeout rate and faces a Marlins lineup that has been prone to striking out against right-handed pitchers.

Meanwhile, Max Meyer, also in the same matchup, sees an over/under of 5.5 strikeouts. His impressive early-season K% makes betting on the over a compelling choice. Shota Imanaga of the Chicago Cubs looks to bounce back with an over/under of 5.5 strikeouts, supported by favorable matchup metrics.

In a thrilling 150th home opener for the Chicago Cubs, Shota Imanaga showcased his skills by pitching 7 1/3 innings in a 3-1 victory over the San Diego Padres. This performance mirrored his last year's home opener, where he held the Colorado Rockies to no runs. Despite the chilly atmosphere at Wrigley Field, a capacity crowd celebrated the Cubs' Hall of Famers and chanted their anthem after the win. The Cubs' offense struggled with only three hits, but stellar defensive plays and aggressive baserunning, particularly by Seiya Suzuki, proved decisive.

Ryan Pressly, despite a rocky ninth inning, secured his third save, leading the Cubs to their fourth consecutive win after a rough start. Manager Craig Counsell acknowledged the unique challenges faced by the team early in the season, including an overseas trip. Imanaga's performance, coupled with key contributions from his teammates, highlighted the Cubs' resilience and potential as they look to sustain their winning momentum.