Astros' Tatsuya Imai Shares Injury Update

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joey Mistretta | Last updated Apr 16, 2026 5:25 PM ET

The Houston Astros are set to play the Colorado Rockies on Thursday night. Injuries have been a problem for Houston throughout the 2026 MLB season. Tatsuya Imai, Jeremy Pena and Josh Hader are among a number of Astros currently dealing with injury concerns. Before Thursday's game, however, some good news on Imai's status was revealed.

According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, Imai played catch on Thursday. It is a big step forward as he looks to battle back from right arm fatigue. After playing catch, Imai and his interpreter both shared important updates, via Rome.

"Tatsuya Imai’s interpreter said he felt good. Imai said, through his interpreter, that he has not been told when he’ll throw off a mound," Rome reported.

Tatsuya Imai’s interpreter said he felt good. Imai said, through his interpreter, that he has not been told when he’ll throw off a mound https://t.co/T9jab9k6uw
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) April 16, 2026

The fact that Imai is feeling good is obviously an encouraging update. With that being said, the Astros are clearly taking a cautious approach as the pitcher remains without a date to throw off a mound.

The 27-year-old is currently in his first MLB season after signing with Houston during the offseason. His big league career did not get off to the best start, but perhaps he will turn things around once he returns. Through three starts, Imai turned in a 7.27 ERA across 8 and 2/3 innings of work.

The Astros will continue to closely monitor Tatsuya Imai's injury status. Updates will continue to be provided as they are made available.

Astros Looking to Build Momentum Despite Injuries

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada (19) © Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

The Astros will enter their game on Thursday with an 8-11 record. They are currently tied with the Seattle Mariners for first place in the American League West. The AL West standings are the opposite of what many predicted before the season, as the Athletics currently lead the division.

Houston is quietly building some momentum at the moment, though. The Astros won the first two contests of their three-game series with the Rockies in Houston. They can complete a sweep with a victory on Thursday night.

Houston is set to send Ryan Weiss to the mound. He holds an 0-2 record and a 7.36 ERA up to this point in the season. Meanwhile, Juan Mejia will pitch for Colorado. Mejia has recorded a 5.40 ERA to go along with an 0-2 record in 2026.

First pitch for the Rockies and Astros clash is scheduled for 8:10 PM EST on Thursday night in Houston.

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

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