Crawfish Boil: Imai’s Struggles, Astros Pitching Woes, Mariners’ Shame, a Cy Young Closer & More

Q: What challenges is Tatsuya Imai facing in MLB?

Tatsuya Imai is struggling with the hard mound at T-Mobile Park and adjusting to the weather, which he finds different from Japan.

Q: What is the current ERA of the Houston Astros' pitching staff?

The Houston Astros' pitching staff currently has a 6.32 ERA, with starters at 5.55 and relievers at 7.08.

Q: Who is Kenley Jansen tied with for third place in all-time saves?

Kenley Jansen is tied with Hall of Famer Lee Smith for third place in all-time saves, having recorded his 478th save.

Q: Could a closer win the Cy Young award this year?

Yes, San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller is a candidate, having struck out 19 of 24 batters faced this season, a feat not seen since Eric Gagne in 2003.

Crawfish Boil: Imai’s Struggles, Astros Pitching Woes, Mariners’ Shame, a Cy Young Closer & More

TL;DR

Tatsuya Imai of the Houston Astros is struggling to adapt to MLB, citing difficulties with the mound and weather. Meanwhile, the Astros' pitching staff has a poor 6.32 ERA, and Kenley Jansen has tied for third all-time in saves.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - APRIL 10: Tatsuya Imai #45 of the Houston Astros reacts after being pulled during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on April 10, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jack Compton/Getty Images) | Getty Images **The latest news on the Houston Astros and from around MLB:** **Tatsuya Imai is having trouble adapting to life in MLB at a time his team really needs him to be the star he’s shown he can be in Japan:**

Tatsuya Imai said the mound at T-Mobile Park “was really hard” and he had trouble adjusting. The weather he pitched in Friday is “not usual in Japan,” he said, and his mechanics are out of whack when runners reach base –

— Chandler Rome (@Chandler\_Rome) April 11, 2026 **In the meantime, Christian Vazquez will remain Imai’s personal catcher:** Joe Espada plans to keep Christian Vázquez paired with Tatsuya Imai for the foreseeable future because "right now, I feel like it's important for the transition of Imai to the major leagues and just to build some stability in our rotation and take us deep into games."

— Chandler Rome (@Chandler\_Rome) April 11, 2026 **This reminds us all of our favorite Spider-Man GIF of the two Spideys pointing at each other** Astros’ Cristian Javier joins Hunter Brown on IL with Grade 2 shoulder strain

— Chandler Rome (@Chandler\_Rome) April 10, 2026 **Could Cody Bolton be getting tabbed to start Sunday for the Astros?** Cody Bolton is dressed to throw a bullpen session right now at T-Mobile Park. Starters customarily throw a bullpen two days before their start. The Astros are TBA for Sunday.

— Chandler Rome (@Chandler\_Rome) April 10, 2026 **Whatever the Astros decide to do with who they add to the starting rotation (Arrighetti is a lock, Bolton appears to be getting another turn) can’t really be worse than what they have done so far:** Astros pitchers have a 6.32 ERA

Starters: 5.55 in 60 innings Relievers: 7.08 in 61 innings

— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) April 11, 2026 Astros starting pitchers haven't completed five innings in eight of 14 games this year.

— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) April 11, 2026 **Something to keep an eye on:** A trainer and manager Joe Espada just went to check on Christian Walker after he grounded out to end the 8th. Walker is staying in the game.

— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) April 11, 2026 **Ichiro was, of course, gracious. But talk about an embarrassment for the franchise…** Mariners unveil a statue on the 1st base line of T-Mobile park of Ichiro Suzuki in his famous batting stance. The bat broke upon reveal!