Astros Pitching Staff Under Pressure as Tatsuya Imai’s Rehab Start Raises Concerns
Tatsuya Imai was one of the most exciting additions for Houston, but after a few rough starts and arm fatigue, he hasn't been able to do much for the Astros. When the Astros hit the road for the first time this season, Imai was sent home due to arm fatigue so the team could further examine his situation. Nothing showed up on the X-ray, but he was placed on the 15-day injured list anyway.
Imai reportedly linked his arm fatigue and struggles to adjusting to the American lifestyle. He has now reportedly started rehab, and instead of positive news, it looks like it has only raised more questions. With the Astros struggling and their pitching staff thinning out due to injuries, the timing could not be worse.
Not only was he supposed to be one of the top starters, but he has not performed well and hasn't had a shot at redemption. The Astros are currently piecing things together with a rotation that includes Mike Burrows, Lance McCullers Jr. , Peter Lambert, Spencer Arrighetti, and Ryan Weiss.
The bright spot has been Arrighetti, who owns a 2. 00 ERA through his first three starts. After starting the season in Triple-A, he has proven he belongs in the majors as he continues to dominate on the mound.
If Houston hoped for encouraging signs from Imai's rehab outing, they did not get them Tuesday night. Imai pitched for Double-A Corpus Christi on Tuesday night, finishing with two innings pitched, five runs allowed, six hits, three walks, and two strikeouts. The command issues stood out the most, as only 31 of his 59 pitches were strikes.