Houston Astros pitcher Tatsuya Imai has suggested that challenges adjusting to American lifestyle may have contributed to his current arm injury during his rookie MLB season.

Imai, who spent seven years with the Seibu Lions in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league, is experiencing his first season in Major League Baseball with the Astros organization. The transition from Japanese to American professional baseball has presented unexpected difficulties for the pitcher.

The injury comes as Imai navigates significant changes beyond just the on-field aspects of baseball. Cultural adjustments, dietary differences, travel schedules, and lifestyle changes that accompany international players moving to MLB can create additional stresses that may impact physical performance and recovery.

Imai's situation reflects broader challenges faced by international players, particularly those from Japan, as they adapt to American professional sports culture. The pitcher's comments highlight how off-field factors can influence on-field performance and injury susceptibility.

The Astros have not provided a specific timeline for Imai's return to action as he works through both his physical recovery and continued adjustment to his new environment in American professional baseball.