Overview
- Manager Joe Espada said Imai will rejoin the rotation next week in Seattle at Daikin Park.
- In his latest Triple-A rehab outing, he walked five in three innings and threw 27 strikes in 63 pitches, including four walks in one frame.
- Across three MLB starts this season, he has issued 11 walks in 8 2/3 innings with a 7.27 ERA, including a brief, walk-filled start in Seattle.
- With several starters on the injured list, including Hunter Brown and Cristian Javier, Houston needs innings and has leaned on its bullpen.
- Imai says adapting to MLB's pitch clock, ball, mound, travel and pregame prep has disrupted his rhythm, and team leaders are urging him to trust his stuff and throw strikes.