For the first time all season, Tatsuya Imai looked like the pitcher everyone expected. Imai was one of the most exciting and hyped additions for the Astros during the offseason, but up until yesterday, he had been less than impressive.
He had poor performances, couldn't make it through more than a couple of innings, ended up on the IL for arm fatigue, and reportedly struggled to adjust to the American lifestyle.
In the series opener against the Texas Rangers, Imai gave Houston exactly what they have been waiting for all season.
Here is how Monday's outing stacked up against the rest of his season, per MLB.
May 25 @ Rangers: IP: 6.0, H: 0, R: 0, ER: 0, HR: 0, BB: 4, SO: 2, ERA: 0.00
Tatsuya Imai - 2026 Game Log
May 18 @ Twins: IP: 4.2, H: 5, R: 3, ER: 3, BB: 0, SO: 5, ERA: 5.79
May 12 vs. Mariners: IP: 4.0, H: 5, R: 6, ER: 6, BB: 3, SO: 3, ERA: 13.50
Apr. 10 @ Mariners: IP: 0.1, H: 1, R: 3, ER: 3, BB: 4, SO: 0, ERA: 81.00
Apr. 4 @ Athletics: IP: 5.2, H: 3, R: 0, ER: 0, BB: 3, SO: 9, ERA: 0.00
Mar. 29 vs. Angels: IP: 2.2, H: 3, R: 4, ER: 4, BB: 4, SO: 4, ERA: 13.50
2026 Regular Season: IP: 23.1, H: 17, R: 16, ER: 16, BB: 18, SO: 23, ERA: 6.17
Tatsuya Imai lowered his ERA significantly, dropping it from 8.31 to 6.17 after pitching six scoreless innings in a combined no-hitter in a 9-0 victory on Monday.
Based on yesterday's performance, Imai's struggles from earlier in the season may be starting to fade into the background. This was the redemption outing he needed when he needed it most.
Imai came to Houston looking for a big season, and this is exactly the kind of performance that could play a major role in helping lead the Astros into the playoffs. It's still early, but this is a glimpse of the version of Imai Houston expected when they signed him.
Imai did his part last night, and Alimber Santa came in to close out the combined no-hitter in what was his major league debut. For a debut, it doesn't get much better than that.
This is the kind of energy and momentum the Astros have been missing all season. If they can keep building off these wins, the second half of 2026 could look very different for Houston.
