Houston Astros move Tatsuya Imai to bullpen for Rangers series

Houston manager Joe Espada announced that right‑hander Tatsuya Imai will pitch out of the bullpen for the Astros’ weekend three‑game series against the Texas Rangers. The decision follows Imai’s rough start against the Los Angeles Angels, where he recorded only two outs, gave up two runs and walked four batters.

Imai is in his first year with Houston after signing a three‑year, $54 million contract following eight professional seasons in Japan. He is 6‑4 with a 5.83 ERA and 72 strikeouts in 58 2/3 innings, and has struggled to go beyond three innings in five of his 15 starts. Espada said the bullpen role is temporary, adding, “We’re working with him… we want to try to get him right because when he’s on the mound as a starter, his stuff is really good and he can be effective.” Imai also contributed six innings to a combined no‑hitter against the Rangers on May 25.