Astros Rotation Faces More Injuries, Giolito Could Be Solution

Houston's pitching staff has been hit hard early in the 2026 season, making free agent Lucas Giolito an intriguing option.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:51pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fractured motion of a baseball pitcher, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the complex movements of the athlete.The Astros' depleted pitching staff is forcing the team to consider outside options like free agent Lucas Giolito to stabilize their rotation.Phoenix Today

The Houston Astros are dealing with multiple injuries to their starting rotation just 14 games into the 2026 MLB season. Right-hander Tatsuya Imai is the latest Astros pitcher to suffer an apparent arm injury, joining Hunter Brown and Cristian Javier on the injured list. With their pitching staff depleted, the Astros could look to sign free agent Lucas Giolito, an All-Star who remains unsigned this offseason.

Why it matters

The Astros' rotation injuries have put a strain on their pitching depth early in the season. Signing Giolito, an experienced and proven starter, could help stabilize their staff and keep them competitive in the AL West race.

The details

Imai left his start against the Seattle Mariners on Friday after retiring just one batter, and is now traveling back to Houston for further evaluation. While the team has not made an official injury announcement, the early exit typically indicates some kind of arm issue. The Astros are already without starters Hunter Brown and Cristian Javier, as well as closer Josh Hader, due to injuries.

  • On April 11, 2026, Tatsuya Imai left his start against the Seattle Mariners early.
  • The Astros have been dealing with multiple rotation injuries just 14 games into the 2026 season.

The players

Tatsuya Imai

A 27-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Houston Astros who left his start on April 11th with an apparent arm injury.

Hunter Brown

A starting pitcher for the Houston Astros who is currently on the injured list.

Cristian Javier

A starting pitcher for the Houston Astros who is currently on the injured list.

Josh Hader

The closer for the Houston Astros who is currently on the injured list.

Lucas Giolito

A 31-year-old free agent starting pitcher who remains unsigned for the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“Imai will be examined for a 'tired arm'.”

— Chandler Rome, Reporter

“Imai is traveling back to Houston early, which 'typically means there's some kind of injury concern'.”

— Brian McTaggart, Reporter

What’s next

The Astros will wait for the results of Imai's examination to determine the severity of his injury and whether they need to add another starting pitcher to the roster.

The takeaway

The Astros' early-season rotation injuries have left them thin on pitching depth, making free agent Lucas Giolito an intriguing option to stabilize their staff and keep them competitive in the AL West.