Houston Astros right-hander Tatsuya Imai is slated to make a rehab start Tuesday with Double-A Corpus Christi as he returns from arm fatigue, manager Joe Espada said.
Imai would pitch in Corpus Christi against Frisco, the Texas Rangers’ Double-A affiliate. Imai is still stretched out despite his IL stint and could pitch four or five innings if efficient, Espada said.
The Astros put Imai on the IL on April 13, three days after he recorded one out in a start against Seattle. Tests showed “no issues” with Imai’s arm, Espada said, and he resumed playing catch shortly afterward.
Asked how the Astros have determined Imai’s arm strength returning, Espada cited “velo, strength tests, multiple things that we do for him in there. So far, it all looks good.”
Imai posted a 7.27 ERA in his first three starts this season, two of which lasted fewer than three innings, after signing a three-year deal worth at least $54 million in the offseason.
It is unclear if Imai will require multiple rehab starts. He will become eligible to return from the 15-day IL early this week.
• Infielder-outfielder Zach Dezenzo played the outfield in a rehab game for the first time Saturday in his return from a right elbow sprain. Dezenzo had been limited to DH at-bats early on his rehab assignment.
Dezenzo is 1-for-6 through three minor-league rehab games. He injured the elbow on a throw playing for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic.