The Houston Astros will move Tatsuya Imai to the bullpen, at least for this weekend’s series against the Texas Rangers, manager Joe Espada said before Friday’s opener.
The decision follows Imai’s latest short outing, a start Monday at Angel Stadium in which he recorded just two outs before being pulled. It’s part of an inconsistent rookie season for the right-hander, who has lasted fewer than three innings in five of his 15 starts and carries a 5.83 ERA over 58⅔ innings.
For now, the move serves as a temporary reset rather than a permanent role change. Espada left open how long Imai’s stint in relief might last, and Houston has not indicated when he could return to the starting rotation. The Astros signed Imai to a three-year, $54 million contract last offseason that includes opt-outs after each season.
The change comes despite flashes of real success from Imai this year. He has thrown five quality starts, including six no-hit innings against the Rangers earlier this season before Houston completed a combined no-hitter against the same club.
Espada said the Astros met with Imai this week in Anaheim to discuss adjustments. The move is part of an ongoing effort to address the command issues that have defined his up-and-down rookie season as Houston looks to get the talented right-hander back on track.
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