Astros' Tatsuya Imai Debuts with Scoreless Inning, Hit by Comebacker

Japanese pitcher Imai signs $54 million deal with Houston after stellar career in Japan

Feb. 26, 2026 at 7:21pm

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Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai, who signed a $54 million, three-year contract with the Houston Astros in January, made his spring training debut on Thursday against the New York Mets. Imai threw a scoreless 10-pitch inning, allowing a leadoff single to Marcus Semien that ricocheted off Imai's lower right leg. Despite being checked by a trainer, Imai remained in the game and finished the inning with an infield popout and a double-play grounder.

Why it matters

Imai's debut is significant for the Astros, who lost starter Framber Valdez to free agency in the offseason. The 27-year-old Imai was a three-time All-Star in Japan's Pacific League and is expected to play a key role in Houston's rotation this season.

The details

Imai threw only sinkers and changeups, with eight of his 10 pitches being strikes. All three balls put into play, none out of the infield, came on changeups. He had 0-2 counts on two of the three batters he faced.

  • Imai made his spring training debut on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

The players

Tatsuya Imai

A 27-year-old Japanese right-hander who signed a $54 million, three-year contract with the Houston Astros in January 2026 after a stellar career in Japan's Pacific League, where he was a three-time All-Star.

Marcus Semien

The New York Mets' leadoff hitter, whose comebacker hit Imai in the lower right leg during his spring training debut.

Houston Astros

The MLB team that signed Imai to a $54 million, three-year contract in the offseason after losing starter Framber Valdez to free agency.

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What’s next

Imai will continue to be evaluated after being hit by the comebacker, but is expected to make his next spring training appearance in the coming days as he competes for a spot in the Astros' starting rotation.

The takeaway

Imai's successful spring training debut, despite being hit by a comebacker, is an encouraging sign for the Astros as they look to replace the production of departed starter Framber Valdez. The Japanese right-hander's transition to the MLB will be closely watched as he aims to solidify his role in Houston's rotation.