Astros' Tatsuya Imai Set for Double-A Rehab Start on Tuesday

His return could ease a taxed rotation depleted by shoulder strains to Hunter Brown, Cristian Javier.

Overview

Manager Joe Espada said after Sunday's bullpen that Tatsuya Imai is slated to start a Double-A rehab game Tuesday for Corpus Christi against Frisco.
Espada said Imai is fully stretched out and could work four to five innings depending on pitch efficiency, with the number of rehab outings still to be decided.
The right-hander went on the 15-day injured list in mid-April with right arm fatigue after a rough MLB debut that included a 7.27 ERA and 11 unintentional walks in 8 2/3 innings.
Espada noted Imai feels better physically and mentally with his strength coach now in place, which the team believes supports a steadier routine before starts.
Houston needs innings with multiple starters sidelined by Grade 2 shoulder strains, and Imai’s progress offers a path to stabilize a rotation tied to the club’s slow start.