Astros' Imai Plays Catch, But No Timetable for Return

Pitcher still adjusting to MLB lifestyle after coming from Japan

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:09pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's throwing motion broken down into overlapping planes of muted earth tones, conceptually representing the challenges of adapting to a new league and culture.A cubist interpretation of a pitcher's throwing motion captures the physical and mental adjustments required for a Japanese player transitioning to Major League Baseball.Denver Today

Astros starting pitcher Tatsuya Imai, who is on the 15-day injured list with right arm fatigue, played catch on Thursday at Daikin Park, but said he doesn't know when he will be able to return to the mound. The team said imaging on Imai's shoulder and arm came back clean, and they are focused on building up his arm strength.

Why it matters

Imai's injury is part of a larger issue the Astros are facing, with 13 players currently on the injured list, including several key starters. The team is also working to help Imai adjust to the differences between playing in Japan and the United States, which he has said has been a challenge.

The details

Imai, who signed a three-year, $54 million contract with the Astros in January, was placed on the injured list after his start last Friday in Seattle, in which he recorded just one out and allowed three runs and four walks. He said the mound at T-Mobile Park was hard, and earlier this year, he had difficulty adjusting to the ball used in the Major Leagues. Astros manager Joe Espada said the team is reaching out to other managers who have had Japanese players to get advice on how to help Imai adjust to the lifestyle changes, including differences in when players eat meals.

  • Imai played catch at Daikin Park on Thursday.
  • Imai was placed on the 15-day injured list following his start on April 14.

The players

Tatsuya Imai

Astros starting pitcher who is on the 15-day injured list with right arm fatigue.

Joe Espada

Astros manager who is reaching out to other managers for advice on helping Japanese players adjust to playing in the United States.

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What they’re saying

“He said that ... while in-game, he wasn't able to have any grip strength.”

— Tatsuya Imai

“There's always a transition period. We're always asking questions, we're always looking for someone who is mentoring us and leading us in the right direction. I understand Imai. We all are on his side and we're going to do everything in our power to help him.”

— Joe Espada, Astros Manager

What’s next

The Astros will continue to monitor Imai's progress as he works to build up his arm strength and adjust to playing in the United States. The team has not provided a timetable for his return to the mound.

The takeaway

Imai's injury and adjustment challenges are part of a larger issue the Astros are facing with a rash of injuries to key players. The team is committed to helping Imai adapt to the differences between playing in Japan and the United States, which will be crucial to his long-term success with the organization.