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 in his return from a strained left hamstring that had sidelined him since May 4.

ST. LOUIS — Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga pinpointed a fastball on the inside corner to the Cardinals’ Willson Contreras, nicking the top of the strike zone. Contreras’ whiff spun him all the way around for strike three.