MLB : Imai Impresses Despite Injury in Astros Spring Training Opener

Tatsuya Imai makes a strong spring training debut for the Houston Astros, throwing a scoreless 10-pitch inning against the New York Mets. The Japanese right-hander allows a leadoff single to Marcus Semien, who’s sharp hit ricochets off Imai's lower right leg. Imai stays in the game after being checked by an athletic trainer. Astros manager Joe Espada praises Imai's performance, noting he hits 95 mph. Imai wraps up his outing by getting Mike Tauchman to pop out and Bo Bichette into a double play. Imai, a three-time All-Star in Japan, signed a three-year, $54 million deal with the Astros in January. He finished last season with a 1.92 ERA for the Seibu Lions. Eight of Imai's 10 pitches are strikes, all sinkers and changeups. Espada confirms Imai will likely feel sore tomorrow after taking the comebacker.