"This guy is going to give hitting coaches nightmares" - Pirates' manager Derek Shelton blown away by Cubs' ace Shota Imanaga

Shota Imanaga got the start on Saturday for the Chicago Cubs as they took on their division rivals, the Pittsburgh Pirates. Imanaga has been dealing up to this point and kept that train rolling.

He shut out the Pirates, going seven strong innings, giving up just four hits while striking out seven batters. He was monumental in his club's 1-0 victory, improving their record to 26-21.

After the game, Pittsburgh manager Derek Shelton had nothing but good things to say about Imanaga. He believes the lefty is going to be a problem for many teams in the league.

"This guy is going to give hitting coaches nightmares" - said Shelton.

Imanaga has now improved his ERA to 0.84, the lowest ERA a pitcher has compiled across their first nine starts. He does not seem to be struggling at all in his first season overseas.

While this was a move that many fans were not sold on during the offseason, they are changing their tune now. He has easily become the team's ace just a few months into the season.

Imanaga has been a reason why the Cubbies have gotten off to such a good start. After Saturday's victory, they are just 1.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for the lead in the NL Central.

Shota Imanaga has been nothing short of dominant for the Cubs

Chicago Cubs - Shota Imanaga

Much of the offseason's focus was on players like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto and where they were signing. This took some of the attention off the crafty lefty.

Shota Imanaga is not an overpowering pitcher. He stands at just 5 feet 10 inches tall and averages 92 on his fastball. However, he has great command of his pitches and uses them well.

During his Saturday start, Imanaga compiled 22 whiffs, which is a season-high for Chicago pitchers this season. It is quite impressive how somebody who is not overpowering can generate that many whiffs.

Imanaga is also a pitcher who does not give up many free bases. In nine starts, he has only walked nine batters.

Imanaga is a strong candidate to win National League Rookie of the Year this season. He does not look to be slowing down anytime soon and still has room to stretch it out this year.

If he and the Cubs continue to impress, it is going to be hard to deny him that award. He has been a game-changer on the Northside.