Astros pitcher Tatsuya Imai is struggling early in his MLB career due to arm fatigue and personal challenges. He signed a three-year, $54 million contract but has a 7.27 ERA in his first few games.
Astros' Tatsuya Imai reveals personal reason behind off-field struggles hindering early MLB career originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Houston Astros have gotten off to a slow start this season, which has come as a bit of a surprise. The Astros made a major signing at the pitcher position, bringing in Japanese superstar Tatsuya Imai.
“The Astros officially announced the signing of right-hander Tatsuya Imai to a three-year contract that allows him to opt out after each of the first two seasons. It’s reportedly a $54MM guarantee for the NPB star, who’ll collect a $2MM signing bonus and $16MM salary next year,” MLB Trade Rumors’ AJ Eustace wrote.
Imai hasn’t gotten off to the start he wanted, much like the rest of the team. He is currently dealing with arm fatigue and is awaiting further results.
“Astros rookie pitcher Tatsuya Imai returned to Houston after his third start to be examined for right arm fatigue. A 27-year-old right-hander, Imai got just one out in Friday's 9-6 loss to Seattle. He allowed three runs, one hit, three walks and a hit batter while throwing 37 pitches,” ESPN wrote. “Imai signed a $54 million, three-year contract and is 1-0 with a 7.27 ERA. He has 11 walks and 13 strikeouts in 8 2/3 innings.”
It turns out the reason for Imai’s struggles goes deeper than just poor outings. He has had difficulty adjusting to his new lifestyle.
“Through an interpreter, Tatsuya Imai said he's not been able to adjust to an American lifestyle in terms of baseball and outside of baseball,” Astros beat reporter Brian McTaggart wrote.
It is certainly not an easy task to have your entire life change in a matter of months while also dealing with the expectations of being one of the top pitchers in free agency. Hopefully, Imai can make the adjustment and return to his normal form.
There is no doubt that Imai can be dominant, as he has shown consistently throughout his career. However, adjusting can be difficult for some, and that is the biggest challenge he faces right now.
More MLB news:
Tatsuya Imai signed a three-year contract with the Houston Astros worth $54 million, which includes an option to opt out after the first two seasons.
As of now, Tatsuya Imai has a 1-0 record with a 7.27 ERA, having pitched 8 2/3 innings with 11 walks and 13 strikeouts.
Tatsuya Imai has revealed that he is dealing with personal challenges alongside arm fatigue, which are impacting his performance.
Tatsuya Imai is currently dealing with right arm fatigue, which prompted him to return to Houston for further examination.
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