Tatsuya Imai uses pitchcom to personally select pitches for Astros

Houston Astros pitcher Tatsuya Imai has begun using a pitchcom device to personally select his pitches during games, a move intended to help him regain rhythm and control. During a relief appearance against the Chicago White Sox on September 1, Imai pitched three innings, allowing two runs while recording five strikeouts and three walks.

Imai described the experience of operating the transmitter on his glove as feeling “like a video game” and noted that it allows him to take a breath and focus on his intended pitch after receiving the ball from the catcher. This adjustment aims to mitigate challenges posed by the MLB pitch clock, which has previously disrupted his timing. Astros manager Joe Espada supported the initiative, stating that the team encourages Imai to utilize tools that allow him to better control his performance and leverage his strengths.