What Cubs’ ace Shota Imanaga is looking forward to the most at the 2024 MLB All-Star Game
ARLINGTON, Texas – When Shota Imanaga was asked about what being a MLB All-Star would mean for the rookie pitcher on July 3, he downplayed the idea.
He said he’d answer that question if he was officially named to the All-Star Game.
On Monday, the Chicago Cubs’ ace got to answer that question the day before the 2024 MLB All-Star Game as an All-Star.
“It felt like a dream just seeing guys, younger guys who are coming up and they made the All-Star team, as well as veterans who’ve been in the league for a long time and are here today,” Imanaga told FOX 32 through interpreter Edwin Stanberry. “The fact that I’m one of them, it’s a great honor.”
Imanaga was an All-Star in the hearts of Cubs fans the day he was introduced to the Friendly Confines. Reciting “Go Cubs, Go” during his introductory press conference elicited a smile from the entire fan base.
On the mound, Imanaga earned his All-Star nod with an 8-2 record and a 2.97 ERA in his first 17 starts with 98 strikeouts against 16 walks. He was also named NL Rookie of the Month in April and set the record for the lowest ERA for a pitcher’s first nine career starts with a 0.84 ERA.
