---
title: "Astros Stick with Imai After Latest Meltdown"
description: "Manager Joe Espada confirms Tatsuya Imai will start again despite a brutal outing against Seattle."
url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/astros-tatsuya-imai-will-make-his-next-start-promises-mana-mp455upd
published: 2026-05-13T13:34:20+00:00
updated: 2026-05-13T16:11:31.315+00:00
author: "Kostadin Stamboliev"
publisher: "Pineido"
site: "Sportopod"
language: en
topics: ["baseball"]
---

# Astros Stick with Imai After Latest Meltdown

> Manager Joe Espada confirms Tatsuya Imai will start again despite a brutal outing against Seattle.

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada announced that right-hander Tatsuya Imai will make his next scheduled start, ignoring calls to bench the rookie after his latest implosion against the Seattle Mariners.

Imai was shelled for seven earned runs over 3.2 innings in a 9-2 loss, inflating his ERA to 6.75 on the season.

The decision signals the organization's commitment to developing the 24-year-old Japanese import, but it carries serious risk for a team fighting for a playoff spot.

Espada cited Imai's raw stuff and the need for rotation depth as reasons for the vote of confidence. "We believe in his talent," Espada said. "One bad start doesn't define him." The Astros have lost three of Imai's last four outings, and the bullpen is already taxed after covering multiple short starts.

Houston sits 3.5 games back in the AL West, making every game a pressure cooker.

The implications are clear: Imai's next start could determine whether the Astros remain in contention or slide further.

If he falters again, the front office may be forced to explore trade options or a demotion to Triple-A.

For now, Espada is betting on a bounce-back.

What's next: Imai is expected to start against the Texas Rangers on Saturday.

A strong outing could stabilize the rotation; another disaster will reignite questions about his readiness.

## Why this matters

The Astros are in a tight playoff race, and every rotation slot matters. Sticking with Imai shows faith in his potential but risks losing winnable games. If he fails again, Houston could fall out of contention, forcing a difficult roster decision. This move tests the balance between player development and immediate results.

## Frequently asked

### Why is Joe Espada sticking with Tatsuya Imai?

Espada believes in Imai's raw talent and wants to give him a chance to rebound. The Astros also lack reliable rotation depth, making a demotion risky.

### How bad was Imai's latest start?

Imai allowed seven earned runs in 3.2 innings against the Mariners, raising his season ERA to 6.75. The Astros lost 9-2.

### What are the playoff implications?

Houston is 3.5 games back in the AL West. Another poor start from Imai could push them further out of contention and force a trade or demotion.

### When is Imai's next start?

He is scheduled to start against the Texas Rangers on Saturday. It will be a critical test for both the pitcher and the team.

## Sources & Citations

- [Astros' Tatsuya Imai will make his next start, promises manager Joe Espada despite latest implosion](
                                                https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/astros-tatsuya-imai-next-start-joe-espada/
                    ) — CBS Sports MLB (2026-05-13)

---

Cite: Astros Stick with Imai After Latest Meltdown. Sportopod, 2026-05-13. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/astros-tatsuya-imai-will-make-his-next-start-promises-mana-mp455upd