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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Andrew Joseph

MLB fans loved seeing how the Cubs surprised Shōta Imanaga with his All-Star honor in the clubhouse

Shōta Imanaga Cubs MLB Craig Counsell

While the Cubs have been a disappointment in the first half of the season, rookie pitcher Shōta Imanaga has lived up to the billing. And now, he’s earned himself a trip to Arlington, Texas, in the process.

Shōta Imanaga — who spent eight seasons professionally in Japan before signing with the Cubs this offseason — was the Cubs’ lone All-Star selection. Though the honor was expected given the Cubs’ struggles across the board, Imanaga certainly seemed surprised when the news was announced in the clubhouse on Sunday.

In a video shared by the team’s Twitter/X account, Cubs manager Craig Counsell made the announcement to the whole team and gave Imanaga an opportunity to speak to the group. “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls.” He’s a vibe, for sure.

The team interpreter Edwin Stanberry may have left something out as well. Shōta apparently offered to split the prize money (if there is any) with his teammates.

You don’t see many rookies make an All-Star team, but like Counsell said, Imanaga isn’t your typical rookie. He’s made the jump over from NPB to MLB look seamless, but it couldn’t have been easy.

MLB fans also loved seeing how Imanaga learned of the All-Star news.

This was how Twitter/X reacted

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