Pitcher from Japan tests his skills in America

A new pitcher from Japan is finding the move to Major League Baseball harder than expected. Tatsuya Imai, 27, joined the Houston Astros this season after a strong career in Japan’s top baseball league. He pitched well there, with a low earned run average and impressive strikeout numbers. But once in the U. S. , things changed quickly. In just three starts, Imai walked more batters than he struck out. His control problems led to more runs, and even his best pitches weren’t enough to keep hitters off base. After one start, he felt tired in his arm and had to take a short break. Tests showed no real injury, but the fatigue was real. He said the move to America is affecting him both on and off the field.Baseball in Japan and America are not the same. In Japan, pitchers throw every six days and the season is shorter. In MLB, games are closer together, and travel is more demanding. Imai was used to eating after games in Japan, but in the U. S. , players eat at the stadium before heading back. Small changes like this add up when trying to adjust to a new country and league. Other Japanese pitchers have faced similar challenges. Roki Sasaki, a star from Japan, also struggled early in his MLB career with control and fatigue. The game is faster here, the ball reacts differently, and the pace is tough to keep up with. Imai believes his difficulties come from more than just baseball—it’s about fitting into daily life in a new place. The Astros signed him hoping he could help their pitching rotation. For now, he’s focused on getting stronger and finding his rhythm again. His manager is hopeful, but there’s no rush. Adjusting to MLB is tough, especially when coming from another country with different rules and routines.