Tatsuya Imai admits to struggles with MLB pitch clock rules
Chron • • sports
Key Points:
- Tatsuya Imai, who signed a three-year, $54 million contract with the Houston Astros after eight seasons in Japan's NPB, has struggled to adjust both on and off the field since joining the team.
- Imai allowed seven earned runs over 8 2/3 innings in his first three starts and was placed on the Injured List in April due to right-arm fatigue, highlighting physical and adaptation challenges.
- His difficulties include adjusting to the MLB pitch clock and differing pitching philosophies, as he is used to taking more time between pitches and focusing on his strengths rather than scouting hitters' weaknesses.
- Imai's recent minor-league performance raised concerns, with control issues evident in a start where he threw only 27 of 63 pitches for strikes and walked five batters.
- Despite these struggles, Astros manager Joe Espada expects Imai to rejoin the rotation next week to help a pitching staff currently impacted by injuries.
