Latest On Astros' Rotation
MLB Trade Rumors • • sports
Key Points:
- The Astros plan to reinstate pitcher Tatsuya Imai from the injured list next week despite his unimpressive rehab outings, as the team faces a stretched rotation during a 13-game stretch without off days.
- Imai has struggled with control issues this season, walking 25% of batters faced in three starts, a significant increase from his improved walk rates in Japan, raising concerns about his adaptation to MLB.
- General Manager Dana Brown emphasized the need for Imai to regain confidence and trust in his pitching arsenal, encouraging him to pitch with the same mindset he had in Japan.
- The Astros' rotation has been severely impacted by injuries, with key pitchers Hunter Brown, Cristian Javier, Ronel Blanco, Hayden Wesneski, and Brandon Walter sidelined, leaving limited options behind the current starters.
- With Lance McCullers Jr. uncertain for his next start due to a fingernail injury, the Astros may rely on bullpen arms and lesser-used pitchers like Kai-Wei Teng, AJ Blubaugh, or call up options from Triple-A if necessary.
