Cubs' Shota Imanaga seeking 'better version of what I am now' after rocky postseason showing

MESA, Ariz. — If Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga had looked like his usual self on the mound in the postseason, he would have taken the ball in Game 5 of the National League Division Series, pitching coach Tommy Hottovy said Thursday.

Instead, the Cubs went with a bullpen game in the loss to the Brewers that wrapped up their postseason run. After the game, a solemn Imanaga took on his share of the blame, and much more.

“We have so many really good players that can perform,” Imanaga said then...