'808 billion' Japanese right-hander crushed again! Suffered bases-loaded home run after three consecutive walks, allowed 6 runs in 4 innings in a disastrous performance → ERA skyrocketed to 9.24

*This content was translated by AI.

Japanese right-handed pitcher Tatsuya Imai (28, Houston Astros), a former member of Japan's national team who signed a major three-year, $54 million (approximately 80.8 billion won) contract to move from Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) to Major League Baseball (MLB), collapsed miserably even in his return game after experiencing right-arm fatigue. With his control faltering, he allowed a bases-loaded home run, and local fans' patience has now reached its limit.

On the 12th (Korean time), Imai made his start in a home game against the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas, USA, in the '2026 MLB' season. He struggled, allowing 6 hits (2 home runs), 3 walks, 2 hit-by-pitches, and 6 earned runs over 4 innings. His control was shaky throughout, and he was hit hard by the opposing batters. His season ERA jumped from 7.27 to 9.24, and despite it being May, he cannot escape the controversy of being a 'leaver' (a player who leaves after signing a big contract).

In fact, the early flow of the game was not bad. He got out of the first inning with three up, three down, raising expectations for his return from injury. However, the nightmare began in the second inning. After a walk to the leadoff batter, Randy Arozarena hit a slider over the left-field fence for a two-run, go-ahead home run.

The climax came in the bottom of the fourth inning. Imai failed to attack the strike zone at all, forcing a worst-case scenario of a bases-loaded, no-out situation with three consecutive walks. He hit Randy Arozarena and Luke Raley with pitches consecutively, then issued a walk to J.P. Crawford.

The pitching coach came to the mound to calm the shaky pitcher, but it was in vain. Imai threw a slider right down the middle to the next batter, Dominic Canzone, but it was a bases-loaded home run that cleared the right-center field wall. There was no mercy for the flat 87.1 mph (approximately 140.2 km/h) slider.

It was not just a problem with the quality of his pitches. Throughout the game, Imai was repeatedly picked off by opposing baserunners who spotted his quick motion, allowing easy stolen bases. With his control wavering and having to worry about the runners, Imai fell into a vicious cycle of self-destruction.

Imai, who had been sidelined for a month due to right-arm fatigue, returned with enthusiasm after rehab appearances in the minor leagues, but today's result has further narrowed his standing within the team. The fact that only 46 of the 80th pitches he threw through the fourth inning were strikes is interpreted as a sign of his unstable control.

In particular, Imai, who was a key player for the national team with his powerful pitching and strikeout ability during his NPB days, has been struggling day after day since joining MLB, unable to adapt to the narrow strike zone. Moreover, there are complaints from Imai not only about adapting to the official baseball but also about the American weather and the mound.

Houston's worries are expected to deepen. Even considering it was his return game from injury, the pitching performance he showed today lacked the minimum calculation expected of a starting pitcher. Given that Houston's starting pitchers are frequently injured, if Imai fails to find a turning point in his next start, drastic measures such as demotion to the bullpen or exclusion from the rotation cannot be ruled out.

Whether Imai can shed the disgraceful label of 'leaver' and deliver performances worthy of his 80.8 billion won price tag remains to be seen. All eyes are on his next start, with Houston fans watching with anxious eyes.

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*This content was translated by AI.