Houston Astros manager Joe Espada has informed pitcher Tatsuya Imai to remain prepared for pitching opportunities despite a recent decrease in playing time. Imai, who transitioned from a starting role to the bullpen, has made only three appearances in August, entering Thursday’s game having not pitched in six days.
Espada stated the Astros intend to utilize Imai during their upcoming stretch of 13 consecutive games without a day off, beginning Tuesday. While a specific role hasn't been defined, Espada said, “There's opportunities for him there, there's opportunities for him tonight. So it's just day to day and we'll continue to communicate with him and just keep him ready and keep him fresh.”
Since his last start on July 27, Imai has made three relief appearances, each lasting three innings. The Astros have not indicated whether he will rejoin the starting rotation, even for a single game. When asked about the possibility Tuesday, Espada responded, “I can’t tell you yes or no.”
Imai currently holds a 5.83 ERA across 15 starts this season, including five starts where he pitched fewer than three innings. Houston will start Hunter Brown on Friday against the Mets, but has not yet announced starters for the subsequent two games of the series, where Imai could potentially pitch. The Astros have used 17 different starting pitchers this season, tying a franchise record.
Imai signed a three-year contract with the Astros last offseason, valued at $54 million, with opt-out clauses after each year and performance bonuses for reaching 80, 90, and 100 innings pitched in his first year.
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