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Cubs: Shota Imanaga to Debut Saturday, Brennen Davis in Concussion Protocol

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Ron Luce | Last updated 2/29/24

The Chicago Cubs are continuing to steam on with Spring Training action. For the first time, there is notable news on both an injury front and a debut front since Jordan Wicks was named the starter for the Spring Training opener.

According to Tony Andracki of Marquee Sports Network, LHP Shota Imanaga will make his Cubs debut on Saturday when they visit the Dodgers. The long awaited debut is finally happening.

Imanaga signed a four-year, $53 million deal with the Cubs just before the annual Cubs Convention. Imanaga had incredible stats over in Nippon Professional Baseball and was a worthy addition this past winter. In fact, Imanaga might be considered an upgrade over the recently-departed Marcus Stroman.

Counsell says Cubs OF prospect Brennen Davis is in concussion protocol after getting hit in the head with a pitch Tuesday. He'll be out for a few days.

Shota Imanaga will make his Cactus League debut Saturday for Cubs.
— Tony Andracki (@TonyAndracki23) February 29, 2024

Unfortunately, Andracki's report isn't all good news. Brennen Davis is reportedly in concussion protocol after taking a pitch to the head against the Cincinnati Reds this week. Davis seems like he cannot catch a break after dealing with a number of nasty injuries over the last two seasons.

The hope is for Brennen Davis to be quickly cleared. He has had a strong start this spring, indicating he is fully healthy for the first time since 2021. In four Spring Training games, Davis has three hits, including a home run and double, and three RBI in seven at-bats. If he is healthy, his chances of seeing MLB time this season are high.

Following their loss to the Colorado Rockies on Thursday, the Cubs will host the Chicago White Sox on Friday, Mar. 1. With the calendar turning to March, it will be the last month on the calendar without regular-season MLB games until October.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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