Cubs news: Craig Counsell makes Shota Imanaga's job status clear after loss to Reds

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell made it clear that Shota Imanaga's position in the starting rotation is not currently in danger after the left-hander was out of sorts in Sunday night's 7-5 loss to the Cincinnati Reds.

Imanaga surrendered six runs on eight hits across five innings, taking his season record to 8-10 with a 4.01 ERA. The right stretch of the outing turned difficult after he completed three scoreless innings. Hector Rodriguez then launched a three-run homer in the fourth inning to give Cincinnati a 3-2 advantage.

The Reds added three more runs in the fifth. Dane Myers opened the inning with a home run against Imanaga, and Tyler Stephenson followed Elly De La Cruz's single with a two-run homer. Imanaga's velocity had diminished during the fifth inning, when Cincinnati extended its lead to 6-3.

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Despite the difficult outing, Counsell said Imanaga's job is not in jeopardy at the moment, per ESPN's Jesse Rogers. The team instead wants to help the pitcher get back to his best. With rosters expanding, Chicago could consider giving Imanaga additional rest.

As things stand, Imanaga is scheduled to face the Miami Marlins on Saturday.

The loss came after the Cubs had defeated Cincinnati 17-5 on Saturday. The Reds entered Sunday having lost six of their previous seven matchups with Chicago, but Cincinnati secured the series finale behind three home runs and an excellent performance from rookie Sal Stewart, who hit his 31st homer of the season.

Pete Crow-Armstrong supplied two home runs for the Cubs , including his 38th of the season, but Emilio Pagan recorded his 19th save after allowing the ninth-inning solo shot.