Houston Astros pitcher Tatsuya Imai, sidelined with arm fatigue, said tests showed no significant injury and pointed to challenges adjusting to life in the United States. The Japanese right-hander, in his first MLB season, noted differences in travel and eating habits compared to Japan. He expects to build arm strength and return soon.
Tatsuya Imai was placed on the injured list Monday with arm fatigue after walking four of seven batters in his most recent start. The 27-year-old right-hander told reporters Tuesday, including those from The Athletic, that medical tests returned positive results with no major damage. Speaking through interpreter Shio Enomoto, Imai said he will focus on building arm strength before rejoining the team. He attributed the issue partly to adapting to the 'American lifestyle,' citing differences like longer travel and eating dinner at the stadium rather than the hotel after games, as was customary in Japan with the Seibu Lions. Imai signed a three-year, $54 million contract with the Astros this offseason after posting a 3.07 ERA over nine seasons in Japan, including 1.92 ERA in 24 starts last year. The Astros, who snapped an eight-game losing streak with a 7-6 win over the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday, sit at 7-11 in the AL West basement. They are also missing ace Hunter Brown (shoulder), starter Cristian Javier (shoulder), shortstop Jeremy Peña (hamstring), closer Josh Hader (biceps) and center fielder Jake Meyers (oblique). This marks uncharted territory for Houston in directly signing and assimilating a player from Japan.
