Astros Pitching Collapse Continues; Tatsuya Imai Under Scrutiny as Team ERA Drops to 28th

The Houston Astros, once celebrated as a pitching powerhouse, are experiencing a dramatic downfall in the 2026 season. According to a report by Sports Illustrated's digital edition 'ON SI' on June 19, the team's pitching staff has deteriorated significantly. After 76 games, the Astros hold a 35-41 record, placing them fourth in the American League West, four games behind the division-leading Seattle Mariners. While they are not mathematically out of playoff contention, their once-formidable pitching has become a major weakness, with a team ERA of 4.87—ranking 28th among all 30 MLB teams.

Tatsuya Imai, the 28-year-old Japanese right-hander who joined the Astros this season from the Seibu Lions, has drawn particular criticism. Imai posted an impressive 10-5 record with a 1.92 ERA and 0.89 WHIP last year in Japan's NPB, leading to high expectations as a key piece in rebuilding the starting rotation. However, in nine starts this season, he has struggled to a 3-3 record, a 6.43 ERA, 25 earned runs over 35 innings, and a 1.51 WHIP. Over his last seven starts, his ERA has climbed to 7.09. In a particularly rough outing on June 12 against the Kansas City Royals, he allowed five earned runs in just two-thirds of an inning. Once seen as a major offseason acquisition, Imai has become a symbol of the rotation's collapse.

The problems extend beyond Imai. Fellow starters Mike Burrows (5.86 ERA) and Lance McCullers Jr. (6.86 ERA) have also underperformed. In contrast, Spencer Arrighetti (2.57 ERA) and Peter Lambert (3.23 ERA) have provided stability. The team's offense has not been able to compensate, scoring only 344 runs in 76 games. The return of closer Josh Hader from the injured list and starter Hunter Brown's return on June 16 offer some hope, but the Astros face a steep climb to recover lost ground. With the MLB trade deadline on August 3 just over six weeks away, General Manager Dana Brown must decide whether to bolster the roster or pivot to selling assets. The pressure mounts on Imai, who is scheduled to make his 10th start of the season at home against the Cleveland Guardians on June 20.