Houston Astros starter Tatsuya Imai, on the 15-day injured list with right arm fatigue, played catch on Thursday at Daikin Park but said he does not know when he will return to the pitcher's mound. Imaging on his shoulder and arm came back clean, with the team now focusing on building arm strength. Imai has cited challenges adjusting to the major leagues and American lifestyle.
HOUSTON -- Imai signed a three-year, $54 million contract with the Astros in January. He landed on the injured list after his start last Friday in Seattle, where he recorded one out, allowed three runs and four walks. His interpreter explained that Imai experienced no grip strength during the game and noted the hardness of the mound at T-Mobile Park, along with earlier difficulties adapting to the major league ball. Imai also mentioned struggles with the American lifestyle, including different travel schedules and meal timings compared to Japan, where players eat dinner back at the hotel rather than at the stadium. Coming directly from Japan to spring training, he faced a demanding early road trip spanning West Sacramento, Denver and Seattle over 12 days. Astros manager Joe Espada has consulted other managers with experience integrating Japanese players. “They all say the same thing -- it’s going to take some time,” Espada said. “Just be sure to extend your arm and be more than just a manager. Be someone they can talk to.” Espada, who adjusted to life in the United States after earning a baseball scholarship, pledged to support Imai on and off the field. The Astros currently have 13 players on the injured list, including five from the recent road trip: ace Hunter Brown and Cristian Javier with Grade 2 shoulder strains, Jake Meyers with a Grade 2 right oblique strain, Jeremy Peña with a Grade 1 hamstring strain, and Imai. Starting pitcher Cody Bolton joined the 15-day injured list Wednesday due to mid-back tightness after his start in Seattle; he had been struck by a line drive in Colorado on April 6.