Tatsuya Imai experiments with pitch calling during relief appearance for Astros

Houston Astros right-hander Tatsuya Imai called his own pitches for the first time this season during a relief appearance against the White Sox on Tuesday. Imai utilized a PitchCom transmitter on his glove during the three-inning outing, stating the method allowed him to better manage the pitch clock and maintain his rhythm on the mound. The adjustment comes as the Astros seek to improve the performance of their major offseason signing, who currently holds a 5.35 ERA and has been relegated to the bullpen since July. Manager Joe Espada noted the experiment was a collaborative decision intended to help Imai better leverage his individual strengths. While Imai has struggled with adjustments to MLB since moving from Nippon Professional Baseball, the team continues to search for ways to incorporate his arsenal more effectively. The team has not indicated whether Imai will maintain control of his pitch selection in future appearances.

• 1:23 AMYahoo Sports — Tatsuya Imai's latest adjustment in roller-coaster first season with Astros: Calling his own pitches