Despite a rough first outing back from the injured list, Tatsuya Imai is still set to start the first game of the Astros series against the Minnesota Twins today.
Imai was one of the most exciting additions of the offseason, if not the most exciting. So far, he hasn't done much.
Imai himself has reportedly mentioned the difficulties he has faced adjusting to life in the United States in all aspects, including where the team eats. He has also mentioned the feel of the mound, saying it was too hard, and that the cold weather affected his ability to pitch.
One of the real issues has been command. In his most recent outing, he threw only 46 of 80 pitches for strikes while relying almost exclusively on his fastball and slider, with no splitters or changeups in the mix. When a pitcher is that predictable, opposing hitters will take advantage every time.
His 2026 numbers tell the story: through seven starts, he owns a 9.24 ERA, has walked 20 batters in 32.0 innings and has struggled to put hitters away consistently, per MLB.
The potential is there, but potential only goes so far.
Imai is either feeling the pressure or simply experiencing growing pains. What has made things harder is that he has spent more of his first major league season on the injured list than on the mound, leaving him without the consistency needed to find his footing at the big league level.
The timing could not be more critical. With Jose Altuve now on the injured list with a grade 2 oblique strain, the Astros are running low on options and patience. They need contributors, and they need them now. A strong outing from Imai today would not only give Houston a much needed win, but would go a long way in proving that the faith the organization has shown in him is justified.
Today is as big an opportunity as Imai has had all season. The Astros need him, and the doubters are watching. If he can go out there and give Houston length, mix his pitches and show the command that made him such an exciting signing, it could be the turning point his 2026 season has been waiting for. The Astros brought him over from Japan for a reason, and today is his chance to show everyone why.