The Houston Astros are facing early challenges in 2026, with their pitching staff already under scrutiny after a tough 2025 plagued by injuries. In a recent Grapefruit League game, Tatsuya Imai, the Astros' key offseason acquisition, experienced a scare when a comebacker from Marcus Semien struck him in the leg during his debut against the New York Mets.
Semien, leading off for the Mets, sent Imai’s pitch rocketing back at nearly 99 mph, catching Imai on the leg and allowing Semien to reach base. Despite the hit, Imai managed to finish the inning, throwing a total of 10 pitches before being pulled from the game.
Fortunately for the Astros, it seems they’ve dodged a bullet. Mid-game, Imai addressed the media, explaining through an interpreter that pitching just one inning was part of the plan all along.
"Yeah, even before I went in, I knew I was going to do just one inning," Imai clarified, putting fans’ concerns at ease.
While Imai’s short outing was premeditated, other Astros starters like Hunter Brown and Mike Burrows have been logging more innings, each completing two. Meanwhile, Jason Alexander had a rougher day, leaving after just ⅔ of an inning, having given up four runs on five hits, including two homers.
The Astros are treading carefully this spring, knowing they can’t afford any more setbacks in their rotation. Last year’s injuries dashed their competitive hopes, and even with the additions of Imai and Burrows, the rotation remains vulnerable.
Astros coaches and trainers will undoubtedly keep a vigilant eye on Imai’s condition in the coming days. Houston is banking on him to be a cornerstone of their pitching staff, and losing him early would be a significant blow to their season ambitions.