Shota Imanaga’s performance in his return made it difficult to tell how much time had passed since he pitched in a major-league game.

Chicago Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga pitched five scoreless innings against St. Louis on Thursday in his return from a strained left hamstring that had sidelined him since May 4. Imanaga, a 31-year-old from Japan in his second season with Chicago,

Shoto Imanaga returns from IL to spin five shutout innings and hold Cardinals to one hit in 3-0 victory that extends scoreless streak, preserves 4½-game lead.