Imai's MLB Debut: Astros' New Japanese Ace

0:00On March 29th tomorrow, Tetsuya Imae makes his major lead debut for the Ashrows against the Angels. The 27-year-old Japanese ace signed a $3-year, $54 million deal back in January. He impressed in spring training with six scoreless innings and seven strikeouts. In Japan, I might dominate it as a three-time all-star. Last season, he went 10-5 with a 1.92 ERA over 163 innings, wrecking up 178 strikeouts. The year before, he posted a 2.34 ERA in 1087 Ks. Manager Joe Aspada calls his 95-mile per hour bullpen sessions normal and impressive, even the day before a start. Team mates like Taylor Trammell and Jose Altuve raved about his splitter and slider. Imae emits some nerves, but plans to channeled impositively. His spasball hits 95 miles per hour with slider spin that's hard to pick up. The Ashrows kept his routine intact so far, blending it with their weight room work.

1:02Owner Jim Crane sees this as a push into Asia talent after the Dodgers success. Expect big things if Imae brings his Japan-formed stateside. It could deepen the Ashrows rotation just when they need it. MLB News Today, powered by AI bringing you what matters on the diamond. I'm Corey, with the story.