Overview
- In his first MLB live batting practice, Imai threw 17 pitches to five hitters, recording groundouts and striking out Carlos Correa, Jake Meyers and Taylor Trammell.
- Jose Altuve called his first look at Imai "really good" after seeing a sharp slider and a fastball, offering an encouraging early assessment.
- Taylor Trammell said he had never seen a pitch like Imai’s splitter in his career, underscoring the offering’s late drop and deception.
- Pitching coach Josh Miller noted consistent strikes, a fastball in the low-to-mid 90s, and a unique slider that backs up rather than breaking away.
- Manager Joe Espada said Imai felt nerves before the session and welcomed that honesty, adding he was excited to see the right-hander get underway.