Big money Japanese star pitcher blames adjusting to American lifestyle for his struggles in MLB

The transition to Major League Baseball isn’t just about facing better hitters, it’s about adjusting to an entirely new life. And for Japanese star pitcher Tatsuya Imai, that adjustment is proving to be more difficult than expected. After a challenging start to his MLB career with the Houston Astros, Imai has now landed on the injured list, and he’s been open about one of the key factors behind his struggles: adapting to life in the United States.

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More Than Just Baseball

Jan 5, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown (left) talks during a press conference to introduce Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

For international players, the move to MLB comes with layers of change. Different cultures, language barriers, travel demands, media pressure, and even daily routines can all take a toll.

For Imai, those off-field adjustments have started to impact his performance on the mound. It’s a reminder that success in MLB isn’t just about talent—it’s about comfort and stability.

Early Struggles on the Mound

Imai’s performance has reflected that difficulty. Command issues, inconsistency, and an inability to settle into a rhythm have defined his early outings. While flashes of his talent have been evident, the overall results haven’t matched expectations. Now, with a stint on the injured list, those struggles are being compounded by physical concerns.

The line between physical and mental strain in baseball is thin. Fatigue, stress, and discomfort off the field can quickly translate into mechanical issues or decreased performance on it. For a pitcher—where timing, confidence, and precision are everything—even small disruptions can have major consequences. Imai’s situation appears to be a combination of both.

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A Common Challenge for International Stars

Apr 10, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Tatsuya Imai (45) sits in the dugout during the top of the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Imai isn’t the first player to deal with this. Many international stars have needed time to adjust to MLB life before finding their footing. The talent is rarely the issue—it’s the transition. Some adapt quickly. Others take longer.

For Imai and the Astros, patience will be key. The injured list stint could provide more than just physical recovery—it may offer a chance to reset mentally, adjust to his surroundings, and find a better routine moving forward.

Athletes are Human:

It’s easy to focus on stats, velocity, and results. But stories like this highlight the human side of the game. Behind every player is a person navigating change, pressure, and expectations at the highest level.

Tatsuya Imai’s struggles aren’t just about what’s happening on the mound. They’re about everything happening around it. And if he can find comfort in his new environment, the talent that made him a star could still emerge in MLB. Because sometimes, the hardest adjustment isn’t facing big-league hitters, it’s building a life far from home.

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