The Astros signed Tatsuya Imai last winter expecting him to become an important part of their pitching staff. With September underway and Houston fighting for the AL West title, they are still trying to figure out how he can help.
The latest experiment came Tuesday against the White Sox. Imai wore a PitchCom transmitter on his glove and called some of his own pitches during his three-inning relief appearance, something he had not done previously in a game this season.
It might sound like a minor adjustment. For Imai, however, it addresses one of the many differences he has encountered during a difficult transition from Nippon Professional Baseball to the majors.
Taking More Control on the Mound
Imai told the Houston Chronicle that calling his own pitches allowed him to make the decision immediately after getting the ball back from the catcher. That left him more time to breathe, think, and commit to the pitch before delivering it.
The pitch timer itself has required an adjustment. NPB does not use one, and Imai said timing is important to the way he pitches. On Tuesday, he said, calling his own pitches allowed him to worry less about the clock.
Manager Joe Espada said the Astros encouraged the experiment as a way for Imai to take more control of his outings, lean on his strengths, and incorporate the information Houston provides in a way that works for him.
For a pitcher who has spent much of his first MLB season adjusting, the Astros are still looking for anything that might make him more comfortable—and more effective.
Imai Has Fallen Down the Astros’ Pitching Depth Chart
Houston moved Imai to the bullpen at the end of July, with Espada saying at the time that the move was “for now”. More than a month later, he remains there.
Even the Astros’ rotation problems have not changed that.
Houston promoted Ethan Pecko in August, recalled Ronel Blanco from Triple-A to start Tuesday, and has continued using Cristian Javier as a starter or bulk reliever. Imai, meanwhile, appeared in only three games during August.
Tuesday was his first appearance since Aug. 20.
The circumstances weren’t particularly glamorous. Houston trailed Chicago 3-0 when Imai entered in the seventh inning. He worked the final three innings of the 5-1 loss, allowing two runs while walking three and striking out five.
That outing encapsulated much of his season: enough stuff to miss bats, but too many free passes to turn that ability into consistent results.
The Adjustment Hasn’t Been Easy
Imai has a 5.35 ERA and a 14.9% walk rate through 70⅔ innings in his first major-league season.
The adjustment has involved far more than hitters. Imai has cited differences in the baseballs and pitching mounds, the travel demands of an MLB season, the pitch timer, and figuring out how best to use his repertoire.
None of those challenges is insignificant for a pitcher making his first move outside Japanese baseball.
But the Astros are now in September. They have 22 games remaining, are leading the AL West, and have little room to devote innings to experimentation simply for experimentation’s sake. If Imai is going to earn a larger role during the stretch run, the Astros need those adjustments to begin producing results.
His Remaining Innings Carry an Extra Wrinkle
There is also a contractual milestone approaching. Imai is 9⅓ innings short of 80 innings this season. Reaching 80 would trigger a $2 million salary increase for the final two seasons of his contract, both of which are player-option years.
There is no indication that the contract provision has influenced Houston’s usage of Imai. His performance and current position on the pitching staff provide straightforward baseball explanations for his limited opportunities.
Still, the threshold adds an interesting wrinkle to however the Astros deploy him during the final weeks of the season.
What Can the Astros Learn Before the Season Ends?
For Houston, the significance of Imai’s remaining appearances may extend beyond the current playoff race.
Imai acknowledged Wednesday that he has not contributed the way he wanted to this season. His goal now is straightforward: stay ready and help when the Astros give him another opportunity.
Houston has reason to keep searching for ways to make that happen. The ability that made Imai one of Japan’s most coveted pitchers has not translated consistently to Major League Baseball.
Calling his own pitches is another attempt to solve part of that puzzle. Perhaps it gives Imai the rhythm and conviction he has struggled to find. Perhaps the Astros learn something else from the experiment.
Either way, the final weeks of his first season are becoming less about what Houston expected Imai to be and more about figuring out what he can be.
