Tatsuya Imai is indeed struggling to adapt to the American environment; US media reports he has already switched to his third translator.

Houston Astros' Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai entered the 15-day injured list because of right arm fatigue, with tests indicating his arm is in good shape. The primary cause is his ongoing struggle to adapt to life in America; he has already switched to his third translator since coming to the US.

After making three starts for the Astros, Tatsuya Imai was placed on the injured list. Although the examination results were "quite positive," it remains uncertain when he will resume throwing and catching practice.

"He hasn't yet adapted to the lifestyle in America," said Imai's translator, Shio Enomoto. "Both baseball-related and non-baseball aspects, this might be the reason leading to his arm fatigue."

Astros beat reporter Chandler Rome from The Athletic noted that Tatsuya Imai has already changed translators three times in a short period. "From all indications, he is a player trying hard to adjust to his new surroundings."

Imai's last appearance was against the Seattle Mariners, where he pitched only one out. After the game, he mentioned that the pitcher's mound at Seattle's T-Mobile Park was "very hard," and pitching in temperatures around 64°F (approximately 18°C) "is not common in Japan," making it difficult for him to adapt.

During spring training, the team allowed Imai to adjust his training routine, including how to prepare for starts. He performed well then, delivering solid performances in three exhibition games and actively communicating with teammates.

However, Imai also mentioned that the MLB baseball feels slicker compared to NPB (Japanese professional baseball) balls, requiring time to adjust his pitching feel. The team even permitted him to maintain his habit from Japan of throwing in the bullpen the day before a start, which is quite uncommon in MLB.

When asked if he would alter his training or game schedule due to arm fatigue, Tatsuya Imai responded via translator: "There won't be significant changes." His recent two starts were spaced five days apart, which is typical in Japan's six-man rotation system.

Regarding the cause of his fatigue, Imai emphasized off-field factors. He pointed to differences in long-distance travel and meal times, such as the Astros' recent ten-game road trip spanning Sacramento, Denver, and Seattle.

"For example, the travel methods are different from Japan," Imai said. "Also, the timing for players' meals. In Japan, we eat dinner after returning to the hotel, but here we eat at the stadium."

"I believe his arm strength hasn't fully returned yet, but it's improving. All tests show no issues; currently, we're focused on regaining strength," said Astros manager Joe Espada. "Once his arm strength recovers, we'll start discussing having him throw and catch."