Astros Promote Pitcher Spencer Arrighetti After Imai Injury

Rookie right-hander to fill rotation spot with Tatsuya Imai sidelined by arm fatigue

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:38pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting the geometric shapes and planes of a baseball pitcher's windup and delivery, rendered in the vibrant colors of the Houston Astros' team palette.The Astros' rotation shuffle creates a chance for young prospect Spencer Arrighetti to make his mark on the mound.Houston Today

The Houston Astros have recalled right-handed pitcher Spencer Arrighetti from the minors to fill a spot in their starting rotation after Tatsuya Imai was placed on the injured list due to arm fatigue. Arrighetti, a top prospect in the Astros' system, is expected to make his MLB debut in the coming days.

Why it matters

The Astros are in the midst of a tight divisional race and can ill afford to lose a key member of their starting rotation. Imai had been a reliable arm for them, so his injury creates an opportunity for the young Arrighetti to prove himself at the big league level.

The details

Arrighetti, 24, has been tearing it up in the minors this season, posting a 2.86 ERA and 1.08 WHIP across 10 starts at Triple-A. The Astros are hopeful he can provide a similar level of production to help fill the void left by Imai's injury.

  • Imai was placed on the 15-day injured list on April 13th with arm fatigue.
  • Arrighetti is expected to make his MLB debut in the coming days, likely starting on Wednesday or Thursday.

The players

Spencer Arrighetti

A 24-year-old right-handed pitching prospect in the Houston Astros' farm system who has been recalled to fill a spot in the major league rotation.

Tatsuya Imai

A starting pitcher for the Houston Astros who was placed on the injured list with arm fatigue.

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What’s next

Arrighetti will make his MLB debut in the coming days, likely starting on Wednesday or Thursday against the division rival Texas Rangers.

The takeaway

The Astros are turning to one of their top pitching prospects in Arrighetti to help stabilize their rotation during Imai's absence. This will be a crucial opportunity for the young right-hander to prove he can contribute at the big league level as Houston fights to maintain their position atop the AL West standings.