Tatsuya Imai's next start for Astros remains uncertain after poor outing
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 31, 2026, 11:30 PM
Last updated Jul 31, 2026
Tatsuya Imai's next start for the Houston Astros is unclear following a brief appearance against the Angels on July 28, where he recorded just two outs and issued four walks before being removed. This marked Imai's fifth start this season where he failed to pitch three innings, contributing to a 5.83 ERA. Astros manager Joe Espada indicated that they met with Imai to discuss mechanical adjustments but did not set a timetable for his return to the mound. Meanwhile, Hayden Wesneski will start in Wednesday's game against the Angels as the Astros prepare for a crucial series against the Rangers this weekend.
- •Imai pitched just two outs with four walks against the Angels.
- •He has completed fewer than three innings in five of 15 starts this season.
- •Astros plan to work on Imai's mechanics before his next appearance.
- •Hayden Wesneski will start Wednesday against the Angels.
- •Astros are two games back in the AL West as they face the Rangers next.
- 12:11 AMESPN MLB — Astros shift Imai to bullpen after rough start
- 10:40 PMYahoo Sports — Astros shift Tatsuya Imai to the bullpen for the Rangers series after a rough start
- 2:18 AMYahoo Sports — Tatsuya Imai's next start for Houston Astros uncertain after another abbreviated outing
"Houston starter Tatsuya Imai will pitch out of the bullpen for Houston’s weekend series against the Texas Rangers, manager Joe Espada said Friday before the start of the three-game set after the right-hander struggled in his last start. Espada said that for now he expects the move to just be for this series. “We’re working with him,” Espada said.
"The Astros are working with Tatsuya Imai on mechanical fixes after he struggled with control again in another abbreviated start that forced the bullpen into a long night.
"Houston starter Tatsuya Imai will pitch out of the bullpen for Houston's weekend series against the Texas Rangers after struggling in his last start.
Sources
External links- ESPN MLBAug 1, 2026, 12:11 AMAstros shift Imai to bullpen after rough start
Houston starter Tatsuya Imai will pitch out of the bullpen for Houston's weekend series against the Texas Rangers after struggling in his last start.
- Yahoo SportsJul 31, 2026, 10:40 PMAstros shift Tatsuya Imai to the bullpen for the Rangers series after a rough start
Houston starter Tatsuya Imai will pitch out of the bullpen for Houston’s weekend series against the Texas Rangers, manager Joe Espada said Friday before the start of the three-game set after the right-hander struggled in his last start. Espada said that for now he expects the move to just be for this series. “We’re working with him,” Espada said.
- Yahoo SportsJul 29, 2026, 2:18 AMTatsuya Imai's next start for Houston Astros uncertain after another abbreviated outing
The Astros are working with Tatsuya Imai on mechanical fixes after he struggled with control again in another abbreviated start that forced the bullpen into a long night.
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