Japanese star pitcher blames adjusting to American lifestyle for his struggles in MLB
The transition to Major League Baseball isn’t just about facing better hitters—it’s about adjusting to an entirely new life. And for Japanese star pitcher Tatsuya Imai, that adjustment is proving to be more difficult than expected. After a challenging start to his MLB career with the Houston Astros, Imai has now landed on the injured list, and he’s been open about one of the key factors behind his struggles: adapting to life in the United States.
MORE: MLB Power Rankings, ranking all 30 teams from worst to first More Than Just Baseball Jan 5, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown (left) talks during a press conference to introduce Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images For international players, the move to MLB comes with layers of change. Different cultures, language barriers, travel demands, media pressure, and even daily routines can all take a toll.
For Imai, those off-field adjustments have started to impact his performance on the mound. It’s a reminder that success in MLB isn’t just about talent—it’s about comfort and stability. Early Struggles on the Mound Imai’s performance has reflected that difficulty.
Command issues, inconsistency, and an inability to settle into a rhythm have defined his early outings. While flashes of his talent have been evident, the overall results haven’t matched expectations. Now, with a stint on the injured list, those struggles are being compounded by physical concerns.
The line between physical and mental strain in baseball is thin. Fatigue, stress, and discomfort off the field can quickly translate into mechanical issues or decreased performance on it. For a pitcher—where timing, confidence, and precision are everything—even small disruptions can have major consequences.