JUPITER, Fla. — Tatsuya Imai continued his spring buildup Thursday, but the Houston Astros struggled to generate offense in a 2-0 loss to the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium.
Imai, the Japanese right-hander signed to a three-year, $54 million deal this offseason, worked two innings before giving way to Spencer Arrighetti to start the third. Miami scored its first run against Imai in the second inning when Dillon Lewis walked, stole second base, and came home on an RBI single from Xavier Edwards to give the Marlins a 1-0 lead.
The Marlins added another run in the sixth on an Esteury Ruiz single, and Houston’s lineup was unable to respond.
Miami starter Sandy Alcantara and the Marlins bullpen kept the Astros quiet most of the afternoon. Jose Altuve, Yordan Alvarez, and Isaac Paredes were retired in order in both the first and fourth innings, and Houston put runners in scoring position only twice without converting.
Houston’s best opportunity came in the fifth. Christian Walker drew a walk after successfully challenging a ball-strike call through the ABS system, and Zach Cole followed with a single to put two runners on base. The rally ended when Yainer Diaz struck out.
Bullpen Settles In
Arrighetti settled in after replacing Imai, and Spencer Okert, Christian Roa, and Tom Cosgrove handled the remaining innings without allowing additional runs.
Arrighetti also flashed some defensive awareness in the fifth inning, picking off Christopher Morel at first base to end the inning and erase a potential scoring chance.
Defensive Highlights
Walker Janek, who entered behind the plate in the sixth inning, provided another strong defensive moment when he threw out a runner attempting to steal third base. The young catcher has continued to impress defensively throughout camp.
Bigger Picture
Imai continues to build up as the Astros evaluate his transition to the major leagues. While Thursday’s outing produced mixed results, the larger evaluation of his stuff, command, and ability to navigate big league lineups will unfold over several more spring appearances.
Houston’s offense, meanwhile, has been inconsistent throughout much of the spring schedule. The Astros will look for more rhythm at the plate as Opening Day approaches.
FINAL: Marlins 2, Astros 0
