Cubs Choose Reliever Pomeranz Over Imanaga in NLDS Game 5, Brewers Win 3-1
When Drew Pomeranz, a left‑handed reliever for the Chicago Cubs, was handed the ball for NLDS Game 5American Family Field in Milwaukee, the decision surprised many. The move meant bypassing Japanese starter Shota Imanaga despite his availability, and the Cubs fell 3‑1 to the Milwaukee Brewers, ending their postseason run. Manager Craig Counsell explained the bullpen‑heavy approach, while the Brewers leaned on All‑Star closer Trevor Megill as a starter. The result not only sent Milwaukee to the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers but also highlighted the growing pains of the Cubs' international pitching experiment.
Why the Cubs Opted for a Reliever
Craig Counsell, who took over the Cubs' dugout in December 2023 after a stint managing the Brewers, faced a puzzle on Friday, October 10. With the exception of Game‑4 starter Matt Boyd, “everyone’s going to be available,” he told reporters. The twist was the roster’s depth: eleven arms and only 27 outs to secure. Pomeranz, 36, had been a workhorse all season, posting a 2.17 ERA across 57 regular‑season appearances and delivering three flawless postseason innings in Games 1, 2 and 3. His veteran poise, plus a clean bill of health, nudged Counsell toward a bullpen day‑game strategy.
Shota Imanaga, meanwhile, entered the series on a four‑day rest after a September slump that saw his ERA balloon to 6.51. The 31‑year‑old left‑hander from Hyūga, Miyazaki, had been a bright spot earlier in the year, logging a 3.87 ERA over 151 innings, but his two NLDS outings yielded six runs in just 6 2/3 innings. The numbers, combined with lingering concerns over a hamstring strain that sidelined him from May 15 to June 20, made the Cubs gamble on a proven reliever.
Brewers’ Bold Move: Megill on the Mound
Across the diamond, Milwaukee’s manager Pat Murphy (who was a pitching coach for the Cubs in 2021) tossed the idea of using his closer as a starter. Trevor Megill, 29, entered the game with a league‑best 38 saves and a 2.31 ERA. "We trusted our bullpen for weeks," Murphy said after the game. "Megill’s mix of a sharp slider and a cutter gives us a chance to flip the script early."
Megill’s line was textbook: six innings, three hits, one walk, and five strikeouts. He kept the Cubs’ potent lineup – highlighted by Seiya Suzuki, another Japanese recruit – off balance, allowing just one run in the third inning before the Brewers added two insurance runs in the fifth.
Game‑by‑Game Breakdown
The action unfolded with a quiet first inning, both starters testing the waters. In the top of the third, Cubs catcher Willson Contreras singled, followed by a sacrifice bunt that moved the runner to second. The breakthrough came when third‑base coach Chris Antonetti signaled a hit‑and‑run; Alex Avila’s soft liner to right field brought home the lone Cubs run.
Milwaukee answered in the bottom of the fifth. After a leadoff double by William Contreras, Megill’s fastball rattled a double‑play grounder, but a subsequent error by Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson allowed a rally. Two singles and a wild pitch produced a 2‑0 lead, which held until the seventh.
Pomeranz entered the eighth with the Brewers up 3‑1. He retired the side in order, striking out two batters, but a single by Suzuki in the ninth sparked a brief scare. A double play sealed the Cubs’ fate, and the final out fell on a pop‑up caught by center‑fielder Christian Yelich.
Reactions from the Players and Front Office
After the loss, Shota Imanaga addressed the media at American Family Field on Sunday, October 12. “You know, especially with this group, we spend more time together than families,” he said, voice cracking. “I have a ton of respect for every guy on this team.” The sentiment captured the emotional weight of a postseason exit.
Meanwhile, Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer defended the decision in a brief statement: “Our priority is to put the best possible pitcher on the mound in any given situation. Pomeranz gave us the stability we needed tonight.”
Brewers’ star outfielder Christian Yelich praised his pitching staff: “Trevor was phenomenal. He gave us a chance to play our baseball early and we ran with it.” The win marked Milwaukee’s second NLCS appearance, the first since 2018, and set up a showdown with the Dodgers on October 13.
What This Means for the Cubs’ Pitching Future
The series exposed a lingering question for Chicago: how to balance a growing cadre of international talent with the rigors of a postseason schedule. The Cubs have signed three Japanese pitchers since 2023, banking on their durability and unique pitch arsenals. However, Imanaga’s September regression and the need to fall back on a reliever in a winner‑take‑all game may prompt the front office to reassess their rotation depth.
Analyst Jonathan Mahoney of Baseball Insights noted, “Chicago’s commitment to overseas scouting is admirable, but they need a reliable ace who can weather the grind. Otherwise, they’ll keep resorting to bullpen games, which are high‑risk strategies.”
Looking Ahead: NLCS Preview
The Brewers will host the Los Angeles Dodgers at 7:05 p.m. CT on October 13, with Megill likely slated to start again given his success. The Dodgers, fresh off a 4‑1 series win over the Atlanta Braves, will counter with ace Gerrit Cole. The matchup promises a classic left‑right duel and could reshape the postseason narrative for both clubs.
- Key Fact: Pomeranz entered Game 5 with a 2.17 ERA in the regular season.
- Key Fact: Megill’s 38 saves led the MLB in 2025.
- Key Fact: Imanaga’s September ERA spiked to 6.51.
- Key Fact: This is Milwaukee’s first NLCS appearance since 2018.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Cubs start a reliever instead of Imanaga?
Counsell cited recent performance and health concerns. Imanaga’s September ERA jumped to 6.51 and he had a limited postseason track record, while Pomeranz offered veteran stability and a 2.17 ERA in the regular season.
How did Trevor Megill perform as a starter?
Megill threw six innings, allowing just one run on three hits, striking out five and walking one. His mix of a sharp slider and cutter kept the Cubs off‑balance, securing the win for Milwaukee.
What impact does this loss have on the Cubs’ future roster moves?
The early exit highlights a need for a reliable front‑line starter. Analysts expect Chicago to explore additional free‑agent options or develop home‑grown arms to avoid reliance on bullpen games in crucial playoff moments.
When does the NLCS start and who will the Brewers face?
The National League Championship Series kicks off on Monday, October 13, 2025, at 7:05 p.m. CT in Milwaukee. The Brewers will meet the Los Angeles Dodgers, who advanced past the Atlanta Braves.
How did Shota Imanaga’s season unfold before the playoffs?
Imanaga posted a 3.87 ERA over 151 innings in the regular season. After a hamstring strain kept him out from May 15 to June 20, he returned strong but struggled in September, seeing his ERA climb to 6.51 and surrendering six runs in two NLDS games.
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