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Astros’ free agency splash already dealing with an injury

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Matt Wadleigh | Last updated Apr 13, 2026 5:30 PM ET

The Houston Astros won the sweepstakes for Tatsuya Imai, signing the Japanese pitcher to a three-year deal that could be worth as much as $63 million.

However, after just three starts, Imai is now headed to the IL. Jeremy Pena is also going to the IL, so the Astros are already dealing with unfortunate injuries early on.

We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/K1BdoGSUUX
— Houston Astros (@astros) April 13, 2026

Imai signed with the Astros in the offseason, and his contract is for three years and $54 million, but it includes $3 million in incentives each season.

Imai’s MLB debut came on March 29 against the Los Angeles Angels, and he went just 2.2 innings, giving up four runs on three hits with four walks. He then threw 5.2 scoreless innings on April 4 against the Athletics, but he recorded just one out and gave up three runs with four walks on April 10 against the Seattle Mariners.

Imai flew back to Houston after his most recent start in Seattle. The Astros also saw starting pitcher Cody Bolton leave Sunday’s game in the second inning due to an injury.

And, Houston has placed Hunter Brown and Cristian Javier on the IL, so the pitching depth is getting hit hard early on.

Imai, who was expected to be a major contributor, has thrown just 8.2 innings with a 7.27 ERA and 11 walks this season.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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