Imanaga did not factor into the decision Monday, allowing seven runs (three earned) on seven hits and one walk over five innings against the Guardians. He struck out three.
Imanaga allowed two homers, the fifth time in 22 starts he's given up multiple long balls this season. However, the three-run blast off the bat of Jhonkensy Noel did not impact Imanaga's earned run line as it came following an error that had extended the fourth inning. Imanaga followed up by allowing three runs in the fifth, this time all earned, and a night that began with a promising three-run lead ended with him leaving with a four-run deficit. The five innings represented the Japanese rookie's shortest outing since allowing 10 runs over three innings on June 21 and extended a streak that has seen him allow three or fewer earned runs in seven of his last eight outings. He'll carry a 3.16 ERA and 1.08 WHIP into his next start, tentatively slated to take place in the friendly confines against the Blue Jays.