Cubs vs Mets Preview: The Throwing Philosopher Faces Senga

The Cubs are bringing their solid pitching and ready for a Monday night battle. Shota Imanaga takes the mound for Chicago at Citi Field. The Japanese lefty has been rock-solid all season with a 2.96 ERA. Imanaga struck out 17 batters and keeps opposing hitters off-balance with precision control. Chicago's 40-37 record shows they're fighting hard in the National League. The Cubs won six of their last ten games. Matthew Boyd may rejoin the team soon after his rehab work. Imanaga needs to throw strikes and attack the zone early against the Mets lineup.

The Mets counter with Kodai Senga on the mound. Senga is also a talented Japanese pitcher with elite stuff when he's right. His famous ghost fork is a devastating pitch that disappears. This season has been tougher for Senga with a 5.4 ERA and a 0-2 record. The Mets are 34-42 and desperate to win at home. New York has dropped games lately and needs their ace to deliver. Senga must locate his fastball and trust his signature pitches. A strong outing could spark the Mets' offense and give them momentum.

Both teams sit below .500 and need wins badly. The Cubs are 40-37 while the Mets are 34-42. Chicago's recent form is better—they won six of ten. The Mets won only five of their last ten games. Both squads have injuries affecting their rotations. The Cubs' Matthew Boyd is working back from injury. The Mets are waiting on Francisco Lindor and Luis Robert Jr. to return. Every game matters now in June. You'll see hungry teams that refuse to quit despite the odds.